Garland “Garb” LeRoy Ensley, 100, passed away Sept. 6, 2023, at Medicalodges of Great Bend. He was born Nov. 11, 1922, in Jefferson, Kan., to Heber T. & Lettie L. (Skinner) Ensley. As a young boy, Garb learned to weld having worked alongside his father in their “Ensley and Son” welding shop in Woodston, Kan.
Garb met the love of his life, Evalee M. Cooper, at a skating rink in his early twenties. They were married on June 25, 1947, in Stockton. In 1965, he and Evalee moved the family from Plainville to Great Bend. Then in 1974, Garb founded his own welding company “Garb’s Welding, Inc.” To this day, his sons continue to run the business and he would watch the cars go by on the highway from his front porch swing, often seeing one of the company trucks going by the house.
Garb was a member of First Southern Baptist Church, a man of God and was involved in his Faith. Though this was tested after the untimely passing of Evalee in September of 1995, he remained strong for his children and embraced the moments that he considered unforgettable. Spending time with his family was very important and they had many family fun outtings over the years including fishing, hunting, ball games, picnics, county fairs and roller skating.
When visiting with Garb, you were sure to have a learning experience. His recollection to capture special memories would make you smile when you least expected it. In the passing of Garb, may you remember one of his many sayings, “Accept the way life is now and be happy!”, “Enjoy your day!”, “Thank you much!” or “Take care!”
Survivors include, four sons, Ronald Ensley, Kevin Ensley and wife Tammy, Dr. Dennis Ensley and Gregory Ensley and wife Jan all of Great Bend; two daughters, Connie Ensley of Great Bend, and Bonnie Achatz and husband John of Wichita; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Evalee; a daughter in law, Diane Ensley; one brother, Edwin; six sisters, Lucille, Neva, Virginia, Donna Lou, and twin sisters Retta and Gretta.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Rick Griffin presiding. Interment will be in the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Shriner’s Travel Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530