Gary Gilbert Greer was born on October 30, 1938 at Mercy Hospital in Independence, KS to Gilbert and Irene Greer. One year later, his sister, Shirley, joined their family. His extended family was close and a very important part of his life. They were farmers and all worked together. He was particularly close to his Dad’s parents, Granddad and Gammie; in fact, they lived just across the road. During his young life, he began hunting with his Granddad which he loved. He continued his love for hunting throughout his life.
He attended various rural schools outside of Independence. At a young age, his family was invited to attend Bolton Friends Church by his Second grade teacher, Mrs. Earhart. In 1946, at 8 years old, he accepted Christ. Mrs. Towery, his Sunday School teacher, led him to the Lord.
He attended Jr. High and High School in Independence, KS. In High School, his dad made him quit the Basketball Team to help out more on the farm. This was a tough time for him. However, during this time, he had a lot of great church experiences. During this time, he became close to the Thornburg family.
He attended Junior College in Independence and graduated in 1958. During this time, he continued to help his dad on the farm. At this time, Don and Glenda Mardock came to Bolton Friends Church as pastors. Don was an important mentor in his life. Don offered to give a new Bible to anyone who would memorize “The Sermon on the Mount”, Matthew 5-7 (111 verses). He and his Mom both memorized the entire passage and received a Bible, which the family still has to this day. Three years ago, Gary visited Don and Glenda in Colorado. That was a special reunion where many memories were shared.
He went to Friends Bible College in Haviland, KS in the Fall of 1958 where he met the love of his life, Elaine Sharon Day. They got married one year later on Sept 19, 1959. They moved back to the farm to work with his dad for one year. He quickly realized why he left the farm and decided to move to Wichita to pursue his degree in Elementary Education at Friends University.
They began attending Friends Chapel Church in Wichita, KS. In the Fall of 1960, their first child, Brenda Kaylene, was born. This was during hunting season, so you know there is a story there. From 1962-1964, he taught 5th Grade at Kelly Elementary after which he decided to pursue a different career.
In 1964, their 2nd child, Lori Ann, was born in the Spring. He began working for Dr. Jim Wilson as an agronomist at DeKalb. He was back to doing what he knew best … farming; however, he now received a regular paycheck for his work. He worked there from 1964 to 1982.
In 1968, their 3rd child, Gregory Gene was born. This was a scary time for him as he considered the extra responsibility of raising 3 children. Pastor and friend, Carl Gordon, was very encouraging during this time.
In 1972, Friends Chapel Church and North Friends Church merged and began meeting in the basement of First Baptist Church. In the 1970s, he was first exposed to the Daily Walk Bible which had a major impact on his spiritual life.
From 1972 – 2024, he attended Northridge at its current location. Dale Lewis, Arch Marshall, David Leach, Duane Hansen, Ben Staley, Larry Kinser, Manny Garcia, and Shane Shetley were his pastors during this time period.
He decided to move his family to Wichita after Northridge purchased the land to build this church. His desire was to be near the church so that his family could easily be very involved in church activities. God, Family, Scripture, Church, Sports and his Work were important to him.
In 1982, Monsanto bought DeKalb and he was laid off as a result. This was discouraging; however, he believed that God gave him this time to be more involved in watching Greg play basketball and soccer.
In 1984, he reentered the world of wheat research with Rohm and Haas. In 1988, Monsanto bought Rohm and Hass where he continued to work until 2000 at which time he took early retirement as a result of downsizing.
During his life, he served in many capacities, such as Sunday School Teacher, singing in Choir, serving on various committees, supporting missions, both local and global, participating in Camp Quaker Haven, Family Promise, Prison Ministry, volunteering at local schools, Gideons, Rescue Union, higher Christian Education (Barclay College and Friends University), Mid America Yearly Meeting, the Paxton Box and many other ministries. One of his highest honors was to help Lori as she fought Cancer. It was a major blow to him when she left this earth to enter Heaven with her Lord. Just think of the glorious reunion that was on Father’s Day of this year.
Family continued to be a highlight in his life. His eyes lit up whenever he saw his grandchildren or great grandchildren.
Gary’s Final Encouragement
The Christian life is a process. (Philippians 1:6) It is filled with highlights, discouraging losses and many things in between. Some of the important practices which become habits in this lifelong process are:
Taking in the Word through Hearing, Reading, Studying, Meditating, and Memorizing it.
Maintaining regular conversations with God, the father; Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Regular Participation in a Bible Preaching and People Serving Body of Believers
Such an active faith directed process in this life will be rewarded with Eternal Life in a New Heaven and New Earth.