Douglas James Gayer

Douglas James Gayer, 59, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 9, 2018, surrounded by family at McPherson Hospital, after a lengthy illness. Even though he was diagnosed with lung cancer, Doug had never smoked in his entire life. Doug was a retired teacher and “Wall of Fame” coach, having coached the tennis teams at McPherson High School and McPherson Middle School. He also had a long stint as the eighth grade boys’ basketball coach. Doug also co-owned and operated McPherson Driving School, teaching driver education to many of the area students.

He was born January 17, 1959, in Newton, KS, the son of Glenn W. and Loreen F. (Cline) Gayer. He graduated from Buhler High School in 1977, McPherson College in 1981, and Wichita State University in 2002, earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration. While at McPherson College, he was one of the top basketball and tennis players in the KCAC. He was inducted into the McPherson College Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.

On August 20, 1983, he was united in marriage to Tamara Idella Roesch in Quinter, KS. They have three children, Chad, Amanda, and Mark.

Survivors include: his wife, Tamara of the home; children, Chad Gayer (Rachel) of Wichita, KS, Amanda Brown (Spencer) of McPherson, KS, and Mark Gayer (Megan) of Canton, KS; grandchildren, Beniah Brown, Abigail Brown, Maximus Gayer, and Samson Douglas Gayer; father, Glenn Gayer of McPherson; brother, Todd Gayer (Dina) of Hugoton, KS; sister, Michelle Faul (Doug) of Hillsboro, KS; and father-in-law & mother-in-law, Curtis and Karen Roesch of Quinter, KS.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Loreen in 2015.

The celebration of life service will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 18, 2018, at Countryside Covenant Church with Rev. Jon Black officiating. Private inurnment will be held in McPherson Cemetery, prior to the service. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, August 17, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be given to the McPherson High School Booster Club or Countryside Covenant Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Douglas James Gayer please visit our Sympathy Store.