Gary Wayne Ott, 86, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. 

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Chapel at Colonial Heights Assembly. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in the Sanctuary at Colonial Heights Assembly. A reception for family members will immediately follow the service. A private burial for family members will take place afterward at the cemetery.

Gary, “Corky” was the second youngest of ten children. He attended Belmont School through the third grade before his family moved to Cheney, where he completed his education. While attending Cheney High School, Gary played football, ran track, and became well known for his musical talent and infectious personality.

Coming from a musically gifted family, Gary taught himself to play the piano entirely by ear. Along with his older sisters, Jan and "Boots," he sang at community events throughout the area. Throughout their adult lives, they cherished gathering as a family to sing the old hymns together. Gary was also a talented dancer, and it was often said that all the girls wanted to dance with "Corky" at the school dances. His love of dancing never faded. As his daughters and granddaughter grew, he cherished dancing with each of them. Even during the last few months of his life, he would still break into a little "boogie" with the help of his walker, bringing smiles to everyone around him.

After graduating from high school, Gary attended Friends University for one year and Wichita State University for one semester before deciding that college was not the path he wanted to pursue. He began his career working at the Sedgwick County Courthouse before his sister, Jan, helped him obtain a position at Beech Aircraft. It was at Beech Aircraft that Gary met the love of his life. His brother-in-law, Jerry Lowe, hired a young secretary named Pamela Beason and later told his wife that he had just hired the woman "Cork" was going to marry. He was right. Gary and Pam dated 45 consecutive nights, became engaged, and were married just six months later. They shared 34 wonderful years of marriage until Pam's heartbreaking passing in 2003. Gary never dated again, often saying he had already found the love of his life, and no one else would compare to Pam.

 After leaving Beech Aircraft, Gary built and operated his own carpet/furniture cleaning, carpet/furniture dyeing, and water and fire restoration businesses for 43 years. He began with Guarantee System before later establishing his own business, Gary's Carpet Cleaning. He took great pride in his work and treasured the relationships he built with his customers, many of whom remained loyal clients and lifelong friends throughout his entire career. An injury eventually forced him to retire at the age of 74.

Above all else, Gary was a devoted Christian, a loving husband, an incredible daddy, and a proud Papa. His faith in Christ was the foundation of his life, and his family was always at the center of his heart. He fiercely loved his family and faithfully invested in their lives. He was actively involved in raising his two daughters and later helped raise his beloved granddaughter. Whether attending events, celebrating milestones, offering encouragement, or simply spending time together, Gary treasured every moment with those he loved.

Raised as a poor farm boy, Gary understood the value of hard work and carried that lesson throughout his life. He worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful life for his family. He found great joy working outdoors, and every home he owned reflected his love for beautiful landscape. Gary and Pam also shared a deep love for animals, passing that passion on to their daughters and granddaughter. Over the years, the Ott family home welcomed an unforgettable assortment of pets, including dogs, cats, horses, goats, ducks, chickens, a peacock, a prairie dog, a cow, and even a deer. Gary possessed an ornery sense of humor and a playful spirit that made life fun. He had a remarkable ability to find joy in everyday moments and loved making others smile and laugh. Together, Gary and Pam created a warm, loving home where family, friends, and their daughters' and granddaughter’s friends always felt welcomed, accepted, and loved.

Gary will be remembered for his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, his unconditional love for his family, his selfless heart, his tireless work ethic, and his joyful, playful spirit. His legacy is one of steadfast faith, quiet service, enduring love, and laughter. He will be dearly missed, forever loved, and gratefully remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela (Beason) Ott; his parents, Floyd Lewis Ott and Vera Ruth (Bailey) Ott; his brothers, Lewis Junior Ott, Lloyd Ott, Lester Ott, Gail Ott, and Dwane Ott; and his sisters, Pauline (Ott) Kepner, Janice (Ott) Lowe, Beulah "Boots" Ott, and Vera Jane "Janie" (Ott) Lewman.

He is survived by his loving girls, daughters, Tammy Ott and Valerie Ott, both of Wichita, Kansas, and his cherished granddaughter, Audrey Scherrman, also of Wichita, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless lives touched by his kindness and generosity.