Gary Hand, age 71, of Colwich, Kansas, passed away in his home on Thursday, April 21st, after an unexpected and rapidly progressing metastatic melanoma diagnosis. Gary was born on February 21st, 1951, to Leo and Dorothy Hand of Wichita.
After Gary graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic HS, he went on to study for pharmacy school at Newman University before getting accepted into KU School of Pharmacy. After graduation in 1974, Gary worked as a pharmacist for 44 years, most of which was spent as owner of Preston Socora Pharmacy. He was always dedicated to providing top notch service and care for his customers, often going into the store after hours or on the weekends to fill prescriptions.
Gary was married to his wife, Natalie Bartel of North Newton, in June 1990, and they went on to have two children, Jordan and Rachel. Gary entered retirement in 2018 and spent his time with family, grandchildren, and selling Medicare part time with LT Care Solutions. Gary was proceeded in death by his mother Dorothy Hand, father Leo Hand, and brother Michael Hand. He is survived by wife Natalie Hand of Wichita; children Jordan (Riann) Hand and 2 grandchildren of Wichita, Rachel Hand of Wichita; sisters Judy (Bruce) Rozek of Houston, TX, Mary Herridge of Wichita, and Cindy (Dan) Rohr of Sedgwick.
Service will be held at Hope Mennonite Church on April 30th at 1:30pm in Wichita.