GARY L. STRALEY, 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Monday afternoon, October 6, 2008 at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield.

Born on December 30, 1928 in Hutchinson, Kansas, he was the son of Alexander Mode and Helen (Shirk) Straley. He was raised and received his education in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1946. He attended the University of Kansas before entering the United States Navy in 1951. Following his honorable discharge on March 9, 1956 he returned to Kansas where he attended Kansas State University. Gary received his Bachelors Degree in chemistry and moved to New York where he was employed at Grace Chemicals. In 1958, Gary returned to Kansas State University and received his Masters Degree in psychology. He was employed at the Winfield State Hospital for 30 years before retiring.

He was united in marriage to Roberta Brewer in 1963 in Wichita, Kansas. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Gary was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Winfield. He was an avid bird watcher and member of the Wichita Audibon Society. He enjoyed Civil War History and had traveled to all 50 states.

His family includes:
His companion: Sue Robinson of Derby, KS;
His son: Kemper Straley and wife Viola of Hoyt, KS;
His daughter: Heather Crawley and husband Damon of Bartlesville, OK;
His mother-in-law: Verna Brewer of Winfield, KS; and
His grandchildren: Graham and Charlotte Straley and Jackson and Reid Crawley.
In addition to her parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Esther Burns.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, October 10, 2008 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. The family invites friends to greet them after the service.

The family suggests that anyone wishing to share a story for Gary's grandchildren do so by submitting them in writing to Heather Crawley, 1508 Harris Dr, Bartlesville, OK 74006. They will be included in a memory book for them.

Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneral service.com.