Gary R. Christy

Gary R. Christy, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away Sunday morning, March 29, 2026, surrounded by his family, at the age of 88.

Gary was born November 14, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Howard L. and Wilda (Reed) Christy. He was united in marriage to Doris Lou Ott on June 5, 1960, at the Gridley United Methodist Church. Together, they shared nearly 66 years of marriage. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gary was devoted to his family and cherished the time they spent together. Doris survives at the home.

Gary is also survived by his daughter, Angie Christy of Elkhorn, Nebraska, and his son, Mark Christy of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren Aaron Armitage (Danielle), Mallory Hoskinson (Jarrod), Taylor Christy, and Lauren Christy; and great-grandchildren Adalynn, Delaney, and Kaitlynn Armitage, Lillian and Scarlett Hoskinson, Xavier Bueno, and Skyler Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Jon, Marlin, and Merlin Christy.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. Gary was the owner of Christy’s Auto Parts, operating first as a Big A franchise and later as CarQuest, until his retirement in 2000. Prior to owning the business, he worked in the parts department at John North Ford. Even in retirement, Gary remained active and never truly quit working.

Gary and Doris enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States and spent their retired winters in Texas where they had a second home. In their younger years, they loved boating and camping, creating lifelong memories along the way. Later, they embraced traveling in their fifth wheel to retreats, continuing their love of adventure and time together. One of Gary’s favorite trips was a Heritage Tour to Alaska, which he especially cherished.

An avid woodworker, Gary could often be found in his woodshop, where he took great pride in his craftsmanship. Above all, he valued time with family and friends and greatly enjoyed the fellowship and relationships he built over the years.

Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Emporia on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Cremation is planned with inurnment at a later date in the Gridley Cemetery, Gridley, Kansas. Family and friends will gather to share memories of Gary on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, Emporia.

A memorial has been established with the church. Contributions may be made through the funeral home, PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801. www.robertsblue.com