Gary Dean Dechant, 64, of Hays, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi Saint Francis in Wichita, Kansas. Gary passed away with family at his side. At his request, he will be laid to rest next to his mother.

He was born on April 11, 1962, in Plainville, Kansas, to Evelyn Marie (Dreiling) Dechant and Paul Alfred Dechant. He graduated from Hays High School in 1981. He completed technical training and worked in the Carpentry Department for Fort Hays State University. Later, he worked as a bus shuttle driver for students on campus at FHSU, and as was his habit, he welcomed those he encountered with an easy smile and friendly conversation. Gary also spent time as a truck driver, enjoying the scenery of the open road.

A man of many talents, Gary restored antique farm engines and tractors when he wasn't working. He deeply loved finding and preserving history from a bygone era. One brother tells a story of Gary completely pulling apart an engine, sorting the pieces into a variety of buckets, and after six months, putting it all back together, using no photos, schematics, or notes. His mechanical talent and beautiful craftsmanship were exceptional.

A truly devoted son, Gary spent many years caring for his mother, Evelyn, after she retired, and both lived together in Hays in the family home purchased in the late 1960s. Gary lived there for the rest of his life, remembering a rich history and the times spent on that little corner, and taking great pride in caring for his home. He saw the neighborhood change greatly while working in his shop, but his kindness toward others remained unwavering; he was always ready to offer a joke, an adage, a report of local happenings, or a bit of wisdom, as the situation called for.

Gary was a loyal and loving brother: a man to be depended on, always willing to help and generous with his time. He was preceded in death by both parents and a nephew, Travis Windell.

He is survived by his siblings Darrell (Mary Elizabeth) Dechant, Cynthia (Nathan) Goodrick, Michael Dechant, Deborah (Randall) Windell, Paul Dechant, and James (Brenda) Dechant. Though his passing is an unimaginable loss to them, his family was able to convey their love, respect, and admiration for their youngest brother in the days before his passing.

He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, with even a few "greats" in the mix. He joked that he'd been promoted from just Uncle Gary to Great Uncle Gary, and he sure was great, by any measure of the word.

Few men are his equal on this side of heaven, but we look forward to the day we meet him again. May he rest in peace.