Gary Wayne Carson, 77, died September 17, 2025, at his home, Hutchinson. He was born October 3, 1947, in Haviland, to Floyd Livingston and Mary Izella (Spurgeon) Carson.
Gary graduated from Mullinville High School in 1965 and attended Dodge City Community College on a basketball scholarship. He earned his masters and Ed. S (Education Specialist) from Kansas State University. Gary was a longtime teacher and boys basketball coach for Haven, Medicine Lodge, Southwestern Heights, Buhler, and Hesston. He later transitioned into athletic director and assistant principal roles; this opportunity started his career in school administration.
Gary retired after over 45 years in education as the assistant superintendent for Hutchinson USD 308. He was past president of KIAAA (Kansas Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) and KARSP (Kansas Association of Retired School Personnel) as well as involved in many other organizations. Gary enjoyed being the Master of Ceremonies throughout the years for multiple benefits and fundraisers. He loved to work outside, keeping up with the yardwork and gardening, as well as woodworking and fixing whatever needed repair. While commuting for schooling, Gary picked up an interest in auctions and auctioneering, practicing his auctioneering skills during the drive. He was a life-long learner and always was excited to pick up new hobbies. Gary was a great communicator, and not a great banjo picker.
In 1965, he married Carol Sue Wilkins in Mullinville. Together they had two children, Casey and Corey. She survives. Gary later married Mary Ellen “Molly” Higgins on November 20, 2009, in Texas.
Gary is survived by: his wife of over 15 years, Molly Carson of Hutchinson; son, Casey (Hollee) Carson of Wayne, OK; Casey’s children, Jordan, Ty and Cross; son, Corey (Tammy) Carson of Longmont, CO; Corey’s children, Ellie and Jace; stepdaughter, Kelly Robinson of Tulsa, OK and her children, Le’Aries and Lorenna; stepson, Gage Robinson (Paula Infante) of Chicago, IL, siblings, Susan (Roger) Staats of Manhattan, John (Cindy) Carson of Greensburg; Jack (Lona) Carson of Mullinville; sister-in-law, Dorothy Carson of Mullinville; many nieces and nephews; numerous friends; and a host of students.
Gary was preceded in death by: his parents, Floyd Carson and Mary Carson-Olson; and siblings, Darrel Carson and Carol Durkee.
Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at Journey@Yoder, Mennonite Church Activity Center, 3605 E Longview Rd, Haven, with Dale Kauffman officiating. The family will receive friends following Gary’s memorial service. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.