Lewis Francis Gean

Lewis Francis Gean, 90, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Protection Valley Manor in Protection, KS. He was the husband of Velma "June" Gean, who preceded him in death in 2019. They shared 47 years together.

Born in Clarksville, AR on June 9, 1935, he was the son of Calvin and Ann Gean. He was the oldest of six children, and two older half-brothers. His family moved to Wichita, KS in 1957. Their home was a gathering place for family members on Sunday afternoons; this is where he found the love of working on cars. The guys would all hang out and work on cars, trying to keep them running. He loved boating and fishing with his buddies and family. They took a lot of trips in the RV.

Lewis was a U.S. Army Veteran, that's where he met his first wife, Karen Bennett. They had two children. He remarried in 1972 to Velma June Clark. He worked for Western Auto, until they closed. He then opened his own mechanic shop, Gean's Auto Shop in Wichita KS.

After retirement in 1999, he and June hit the road as full-time RVers. Traveling across the United States but especially taking a route from McAllen, TX to Puyallup, WA. On their yearly route, they would visit family and friends along the way; doctor visits and checkups in Wichita; spending summers in Washington and winters in south Texas.

Lewis was a Christian and enjoyed going to the Antioch Church in Buttermilk. He met some great friends there along with the First Baptist Church in Protection as well as his friends at the Centennial Courts. He enjoyed fixing things, morning coffee at Don's and going around visiting people. Everyone who visited him knew Gunsmoke was always on the TV.

He is survived by his children: John (Patty) Gean and Sherry (Marvin) Burnett; his grandchildren: Chase, Jacquelyn, Blaze, Jessica, Keston, and Kade; his great grandchildren: Elaina, Julianna, Millie, Danta, Wyatt and Savannah; and many nieces and nephews.

Lewis was preceded in death by his wife: June; his parents; his siblings; and his great-grandson: Luke Lewis Gean.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Tunnel To Towers Project or Senior Olympics in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.

A Memorial Service will be held later in the spring and will be announced by Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

"We find our places, stay where we're needed and do the best we can. The rest is commentary." - Doc Galen Adams, Gunsmoke.