John Michael Gray

John Gray, 71, passed away on July 29th, 2026, in Derby, Kansas.

Born in Wichita, KS in 1954, he was the third of five children born to Richard Gray and Patricia Gray (Cowan). He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1972.

John dedicated 45 years to the plumbing field, spending the last 25 years as a project manager at CMW. He retired in 2020, ready to put his sole focus on his family life and doing all the things he had put off during his career.

If you knew John, you knew he treated you like family. And above all else John was a family man. He made everyone he met feel welcome. Always willing to take you under his wing if you needed it. He led by example. A mentor through his actions instead of through words.

John was a "Pops" to many and the consummate host to all. His love for his red corvette, time spent making sure his yard was perfect, 30 years attending the Indy 500 with friends, and most importantly, his love for his wife of 52 years, Debra, will live in our hearts forever. A great man who will be missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Debra Gray; his children, Josh (Jessica) Gray, Kelly (Ashlea) Gray, Nathan (Marla) Gray; his grandchildren, Skyler (Alex), Madison (Shawn), Dylan, Trevor, Landon, Caden, Cameron, Asher, KJ; his great-grandchildren, Jaxtyn, and one on the way; his siblings Robert, Mary, and David.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Gray and Patricia Gray (Cowan); and his brother, Steve.

A Rosary will be held at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 5th at Smith Mortuary in Derby, KS. Visitation to follow from 5:30 - 7:00.

The funeral service for John will be held on Thursday, August 6th, at 10:30 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Derby, KS.

Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, Derby, KS.

Memorial donation can be made in John's name to the American Lung Association, the Kansas Humane Society, and the American Legion Post 408.