Gary E. Eitel

Gary E. Eitel, age 71, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on February 27, 1954, in Scott City, Kansas, the son of Marvin Eugene Eitel and Mary Lou Kennedy.

A lifelong resident of Scott City, Kansas, Gary married Deandra J. Billinger on March 2, 1974, in Shallow Water, Kansas. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family. Gary was a dedicated member of the Pence Community Church.

Gary spent his life doing what he loved most: farming and ranching. Whether he was checking cattle at sunrise, watching a Kansas sunset over a freshly harvested field, or fixing a fence line, he found his greatest peace outdoors. He understood the value of a hard day’s work and possessed the quiet patience required to watch things grow.

While he took great pride in his work, Gary’s true joy was serving the Lord and caring for his family. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan, traveling countless miles to sit in the stands and cheer them on. Whether it was an early morning in the gymnasium, a cold morning at the ballpark or a Friday night under the lights, his presence was a constant source of strength for his family.

Saturdays in the fall were reserved for K-State Wildcat football. A dedicated fan through every season, he wore his purple with pride. Above all, he cherished the simple moments: a Sunday lunch, a slow drive through the pasture, and the company of those he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Deandra Eitel of Scott City, Kansas; four daughters: Shelly (Brent) Turner of Scott City, Kansas, Stephanie (Cody) Fisher of Overland Park, Kansas, Stacie (Jay) Johnson of Parkville, MO, and Shandi (Brian) Elias of Overland Park, Kansas; one sister, Janet Eitel-Hyatt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and four step-sisters: Jynette (Phil) Gibbs, Susan Wiechman, and Kendra Kendrick, all of Scott City, Kansas and Denise (Melvin) Murphy of Olathe, Kansas. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two step brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Pence Community Church in Pence, Kansas, with Pastor Don Williams presiding. Interment will follow in the Scott County Cemetery.

Memorials In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pence Community Church in care of Price & Sons Funeral Home, PO Box 553, Scott City, Kansas, 67871.

Interment will be held in the Scott County Cemetery in Scott City, Kansas.

There will be no public calling times.