Garland “Garb” LeRoy Ensley

Garland “Garb” LeRoy Ensley, 100, passed away September 6, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend.

He was born November 11, 1922, in Jefferson, Kan., to Heber T. and Lettie L. (Skinner) Ensley.

As a young boy, Garb learned to weld, working alongside his father in their “Ensley and Son” welding shop in Woodston, Kan. 

In his early twenties, Garb met the love of his life, Evalee M. Cooper, at a skating rink. They were married on June 25, 1947, in Stockton. In 1965, he and Evalee moved the family from Plainville to Great Bend.

Then, in 1974, Garb founded his own welding company “Garb’s Welding, Inc.”  To this day, his sons continue to run the business, and he would watch the cars go by on the highway from his front porch swing, often seeing one of the company trucks going by the house. 

Garb was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, a man of God, and was involved in his faith. Though this was tested after the untimely passing of Evalee in September of 1995, he remained strong for his children and embraced the moments that he considered unforgettable. Spending time with his family was very important, and they had many fun family outings over the years, including fishing, hunting, ball games, picnics, county fairs, and roller skating. 

When visiting with Garb, you were sure to have a learning experience. His recollection of capturing special memories would make you smile when you least expected it. In the passing of Garb, may you remember one of his many sayings, “Accept the way life is now and be happy!”, “Enjoy your day!”, “Thank you much!” or “Take care!” 

Survivors include four sons, Ronald Ensley, Kevin Ensley and wife Tammy, Dr. Dennis Ensley and Gregory Ensley and wife Jan, all of Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Ensley of Great Bend, and Bonnie Achatz and husband John of Wichita; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Evalee; a daughter-in-law, Diane Ensley; one brother, Edwin; six sisters, Lucille, Neva, Virginia, Donna Lou, and twin sisters Retta and Gretta.  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 11, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Rick Griffin presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery.

Memorials have been designated to Shriner’s Travel Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and can be sent in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Road, Great Bend, KS 67530.