WICHITA, KANSAS

JOHN WENDELL GOLLIHAR , 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, October 24, 2019. He was born in Abilene, Texas to Marvin 'Jim' Gollihar and Ruby (Dumas) Gollihar. He was a 1966 graduate of North High School in Wichita, Kansas. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran receiving a Purple Heart. John's career and love of serving others began with the Wichita Police Department for 10 yrs and on his beat he met and married the love of his life, Nancy. After WPD John was a 911 dispatcher and shortly after EMT certification he worked parttime at Life Watch dispatch. After 4 ½ years at 911, John went full time with LifeWatch. During this time, John became a cub scout den leader. He joined the Civil Air Patrol and achieved the rank of lieutenant. After 20 years with LifeWatch, John cross trained as a security officer with Wesley Medical Security where he retired on November 23, 2013 after 33 years. He attended WSU and Friends University receiving his Bachelors of Police Science. John enjoyed fishing, woodworking, carving, target practice and love of animals such as racing pigeons and bee keeping. His greatest love was his family and spending time with them.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy; children Michelle (Edward) Ashley of West Sand Lake, NY, Sharla (Chris) Boyd of Bel Aire, KS and Nathan Gollihar of Wichita; grandchildren Deavious (Kaitlyn) Kearney, Harley Ann Kearney, Gabriel Boyd and Griffin Boyd; many other family and friends.  He is preceded by his parents 'Jim' Gollihar and Ruby Gollihar-Harding, sister Vicky and brother Steve.

Visitation 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 31, at Baker Funeral Home Valley Center. Graveside Service 10:00 a.m., November 1, at Maize Park Cemetery, 12733 W. 53 ^rd St. N., Maize, Kansas. Celebration Service 11 a.m., at Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita. Memorials may be designated in his memory to Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, Ks 67204 or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice 313 S. Market, Wichita, Ks 67202. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com