It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Gary Arlen Skeet of Lawrence, KS — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
These words are offered in his memory — small, but heartfelt.
Some days simply pass; others stay with us forever.
Gary A. Skeet passed away at Pioneer Ridge on Sunday, May 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old. He was born March 6, 1935, the son of Harold W. Skeet and Julia E. Allen Skeet. Gary had a half sister, Alice B. Skeet Reid, all of whom preceed him in death.
Gary grew up on the family homestead in Sarcoxie township in south Jefferson County, Kansas. He attended Knowledge Hill and Sunnyside Schools, University High and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1953; he was in the last class to graduate from the Liberty Memorial High School Building. Gary was a member of the first A Capella choir at Liberty Memorial, created and conducted by R. Wayne Nelson; he was extremely proud to have been a part of this group and he continued to sing until the day before he died. He attended the University of Kansas, and other continuing education opportunities, including the Smith and Wesson Armorer's school.
Gary married Martha E. Saunders on July 12, 1958. Not long after, Gary and Martha had an official wedding ceremony on October 30, 1960 When Martha's father died almost a year later, Gary and Martha became parents to Martha's younger siblings Esther (age 17) and John (age 13). Gary and Martha welcomed a son into their family on June 20, 1965 when William P. Skeet was born, and a daughter, Elizabeth M. Skeet was born on August 12, 1970.
Gary worked at the Sunflower Army ammunition plant [Hercules], was an officer for the Lawrence Police Department, and the University of Kansas Police Department where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He was the firearms instructor and the Armorer for the KUPD, something he enjoyed very much. He was very proud of the officers whom he helped qualify on their sidearm. He retired from the University of Kansas Parking Department in 1997.
Gary had many passions in his life and he shared his these with his friends and family. He loved to explore the mountains in Colorado in a jeep, and took many jeeping trips in the 1960s. He loved history, and his enthusiasm for history was contagious. He was a gifted teacher of history to anyone who would listen, and he incorporated his love of trains and firearms into his history lessons. He also loved hunting, something he did with his father and uncle, his wife, son, daughter and many friends. He had many dogs throughout his life and they all had a special place in his heart.
Another passion Gary enjoyed from his childhood to the last weeks of his life was his love of trains. Gary made many trips to ride famous trains including many rides on the Durango & Silverton train, the Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad, the Georgetown Loop, and the Galloping Goose.
Gary is survived by his wife, Martha, his son William P "Bill" Skeet, his daughter, Elizabeth M. "Beth" Skeet Morgenroth, his daughter-in-law, Ann M. Gregg Skeet, his son-in-law, Paul A. Morgenroth Jr, and five grandchildren, Paul A. Morgenroth III, Emma C. Skeet, William E. Morgenroth, Walter M. Morgenroth, John H. Skeet and his granddaughter-in-law, Taryn G. Clark Morgenroth.
A visitation will be held at 12:00 noon, May 9, 2026 at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, with the funeral and graveside services immediately following.
Gary's family suggests that any donations and memorials be made to the Galloping Goose Historical society, the Lawrence Humane Society, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Gary Arlen Skeet.
