Gary Dwayne Grayum

Gary Dwayne Grayum (79) was born September 26, 1944 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Fannie Lorene (Bishop) and William Grayum. The second youngest of six children and the last surviving member. Gary grew up in Peru, Kansas. He graduated from Peru high school in 1963, lettering in basketball and football. Gary starting his career in 1964 working as an Army Reservist and Guard until honorably retiring around 2000. His highest rank was that of 1st Sergeant. He ended his career working out of the newly built facility in Arkansas City, KS.

In between, his career for the Army and working as a Singer Sewing repairman he met Beverly. In April 1967, Gary married Beverly Jean Fitzgerald in Coffeyville, KS. They made their home in Arkansas City, Kansas where they raised their three children Tracy Sue, Kimberly Ann, and Micheal Shane. They welcomed their first daughter, Tracy Sue, in 1969. Gary moved the family to Howard, KS where for a short period provided for his family working as a Schwan’s delivery man. A short time later Kimberly Ann was born in Sedan, KS. Gary moved the family again to begin working at a manufacturing job in Independence, KS. There they celebrated the birth of their son, Micheal Shane. Gary also worked as a Sears salesman and Insurance agent for a time. Moving the family from Coffeyville, Howard, Pamona, Independence, and Arkansas City. He made friends wherever he went. Gary never knew a stranger.

Gary was known for his giving personality and was a social butterfly. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his game of solitaire. He said winning was problematic but the game was never boring. He adored and had horses. He was an avid shopper of garages sales and knew there was always something to buy and a gift to give. His hobbies were gardening and baking. Above all, his heart went to his grand children. He valued his time spent with them. He treated them to Daisy Mae’s restaurant, his favorite and most visited establishment. Threaten to beat them with his special flyswatter and bite their ears off if they didn’t listen. He ended every encounter with, “who loves you?” “Grandpa loves you,” he would answer. He wanted to make sure that each child knew how grandpa felt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jack, Dale, Jay, Bill, Doug, and sister Wilma “Sue”.

He is survived by his 3 children, Tracy & (Jay) Ogden of Tonkawa, OK, Kimberly & (Gary) Waterman of Fort Myers, FL, Micheal & (Jeri) Grayum of Rose Hill, KS. Gary loved spending time with his 9 grandchildren Mackenzie (Bergagnini) Kolev, Sidney (Bergagnini) Cales, Riley (Bergagnini) Hazard, Nashton & (Morgan) Frost, Landry Baker, Cole Pannell, Briar Grayum, Chandler Ogden, Piper Grayum and 8 great-grandchildren: Link, Cecelia, April, Joann, Lewis, Nora, Loretta and Waylon.

A graveside serve will be Wednesday October 18th at 1:00pm at the Oak Hill cemetery in Chautauqua, KS.

Memorials can be made in Gary’s memory to Clear Path Hospice Wichita, KS. Online condolences can be left to the family by going to www.smithfamilymortuaries.com.