Gordon Eugene Willhite

Gordon Eugene Willhite, age 69, of Sedan, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. He had been ill for the last 6-7 years, suffering from liver failure, while waiting for a liver and kidney transplant. Gordon was born on January 6, 1955 to Lowell and Helen (Hinerman) Willhite. He was the oldest of three children, with two younger sisters. Gordon grew up at Elmdale, Kansas on Kenmore Farms Angus Ranch on Middle Creek. He attended Elmdale Elementary School, then Chase County High School, where he graduated in 1973. During this time Gordon was a member of Elmdale United Methodist Church, the Emerald 4-H Club and the Junior Angus Association. His life was full with activities, treasured school friends, riding his horse, hauling hay and helping his Dad on the ranch. He spent one year at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas where he majored in history and was a member of the track team. He then enrolled in the two year Cow-Calf Management program at Colby Community College, Colby, Kansas and graduated in the spring of 1976. He met Lisa Potter at Colby and they married after their graduation on June 19, 1976 at Elmdale United Methodist Church. Gordon started out his married life helping his father Lowell with the ranch on Middle Creek. He and Lisa became the parents of two children, Lucas Eugene and Dayna Lynn. They lived in Cottonwood Falls for a short time before moving to Sedan, Kansas. In Sedan, Gordon worked at Ackarman's Hardware, for the City of Sedan and eventually was licensed as a minister with the Disciples of Christ in the state of Kansas. He was hired as an interim pastor for the First Christian Church of Sedan, then by Coffeyville First Christian Church, where he preached until his health failed him. Gordons hobbies included hunting, golf, gardening and reading, but his absolute joy was his family. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge of Kansas, the Order of the Eastern Star, spent a number of years on the City Council, then was elected to be Mayor and filled a short term on the USD#286 School Board. Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Lisa Willhite of the home in Sedan; his son, Lucas Willhite and fiance Erin Glassman; his daughter, Dayna Draper; grandchildren, Ty Willhite, Mallory Draper, Reece Willhite, Taylor Draper, Elin Glassman and Emory Glassman; two sisters, Lisa McLean and husband Crandell, Lori Danler and husband Robert; mothers-in-law Lois Potter Campbell and Patricia Potter; sisters-in-law, Celia Lutz and husband Lou, Linda Walker and husband Bill; four brothers-in-law, Brian Botter and wife Sara, Rodney Dickens and wife Marsha, Brad Dickens and wife Mary Pat, Mark Potter and wife Nanette; many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Helen Willhite and son-in-law, Christian Draper. A church service will be held May 31, 2024 at the First Christian Church of Sedan at 1:30pm The family suggests memorials to the Chautauqua County Rolling Prairie 4-H, Att: Jenny McDaniel, 215 N. Chautauqua, Sedan, KS 67361 and/or the First Christian Church of Sedan, PO Box 75, Sedan, KS 67361.

Gordon Eugene Willhite

January 6, 1955 - May 9, 2024