George Wingert, Sr.

George Wingert, Sr. went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior on April 1, 2024. George was born to Harold and Lois Wingert in Wellsville, KS, on May 26, 1931. He attended West Windy Elementary School and Wellsville High School, served as Senior Class President, and graduated in 1949. George attended Kansas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry in 1953. While at Kansas State University, he was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and the Livestock and Meats Judging Teams. After graduation, he served in the United States Army, attended the Meats and Dairy Hygiene School in Chicago, IL, and conducted Meat Inspections in New York City, NY from 1953-1956.

George was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, businessman, cattleman, and friend. After serving in the Army, George was hired by Cities Service Company, Wichita, KS, as an agricultural sales representative across Kansas. In 1960, he joined Hesston Corporation as a field sales representative, selling farm equipment in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In 1964, George had an opportunity to purchase a gasoline bulk plant in Ottawa, KS, leading to a career in retail and wholesale gasoline distribution. In 1970, George was elected to the Kansas House of Representatives for four terms, serving as chair of the House Governmental Organization Committee and vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. In 1979, George was appointed to the Kansas Board of Regents, advancing and improving higher education across Kansas. Given his love for politics, policies, and people, George was hired as a lobbyist, promoting various industries across Kansas from 2005-2020, concluding a 50-year political career. As a hobby, George enjoyed breeding and raising cattle, serving as the National President of the American Polled Hereford Association.

George was introduced to Jane Allvine, a Kansas City, KS native, and they were married on August 1, 1959. They moved to Ottawa, KS, in 1964. Their interest and involvement in community events, activities, and elections fostered a deep love for wonderful neighbors and lifelong friends. George was a resident of the Ottawa community for 60 years.

George is survived by his daughter, Nancy Wingert of Overland Park, KS; his son George Jr. Wingert and wife Diane of Kansas City, KS; his son Harold Wingert and wife Kathie of Ottawa, KS; his son Fred Wingert and wife Brandy of Stillwell, KS; and seven grandchildren including Jackson, Claire, Isaac, Caroline, Laura, Baylor, and Beckham. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Bob Eugene Wingert and wife Kay of Lenexa, KS; his sister-in-law Nancy Allvine of Roswell, GA; and eleven nieces and nephews including his niece Teri Wingert of Mason, OH; his nephew Dr. Bart Wingert and wife Dr. Sue of Wichita, KS; his niece Betsy Thamert and husband Andy of Estes Park, CO; his niece Daphne Adair and husband Randy of Wylie, TX; his niece Wende Doyle and husband Jeff of Wichita, KS; his nephew Dr. Matt Wingert and his wife Lisa of Liberty, MO; his nephew Andy Wingert and wife Cristi of Eudora, KS; his niece Katie Chiles and husband Danny of Lenexa, KS; his niece Cassie Murray and husband David of Olathe, KS; his nephew Doug Allvine and wife Mary Claire of Roswell, GA; and his nephew Drew Allvine and wife Blake of Roswell, GA.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Allvine Wingert, on December 25, 2015, after 56 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his sister Kay Chalender and husband Dr. Ralph Jack of Overland Park, KS; his brother Dr. Fred Dwight Wingert and wife Kathy of Wichita, KS; his brother-in-law Dr. Fred Allvine of Roswell, GA; and his niece Marcia Allvine of Roswell, GA.

George was renowned for his smile and positive outlook on life. He was a remarkable storyteller with stories relevant to life and relatable to life decisions. Additionally, George enjoyed playing cards including bridge and pitch. He relished supporting his children and grandchildren in their pursuits and activities, including cattle shows and county fairs. George was a lifelong Kansas State Wildcat fan, watching and attending many sporting events for over 70 years.

George was an active member of Grace Community Fellowship Church in Ottawa, KS, bringing donuts to Bible Study weekly. He will be honored during a visitation on Friday, April 19, from 5-7:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, April 20, at 11:00 a.m. both at Grace Community Fellowship Church, 501 South Popular Street, Ottawa, KS, 66067. A luncheon will be provided at the conclusion of his service to share stories and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests we each bless someone in the days ahead to honor George given his love for people. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Community Fellowship Church and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.

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