Gary L Herman

Gary Lee Herman, 81, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully October 3, 2025. He was born April 30, 1944, in Russell, Kansas, to Rudolph and Mary Herman. Gary grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High School in 1962. Shortly after, on May 12, 1962, he married the love of his life, Carol (Tilzey) Herman, beginning a marriage that would span over six decades.

Gary proudly dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to public service as a member of the Kansas Highway Patrol, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant before retiring in 1995. His service continued with the Kansas Lottery as the director of security, where he worked from 1995 until his second retirement in 2009. Throughout his career, Gary was known for his bravery, honor, and steadfast commitment to his work, his community, and his family.

At home, Gary’s heart belonged to his family. He and Carol raised three children—Lori (Bryan) Packingham, Craig (Jennifer) Herman, and Amy Herman—and cherished the joy of their grandchildren, Danica Packingham, Leah Packingham, Mariah (Conner) Beck, Calli Herman and Rebecca Townsend, and four great grandchildren.

Gary’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by loved ones, manning the grill as the family’s “Grill Master,” or relaxing with his two loyal dogs, Cam and Carter. He loved a perfectly cooked steak and always enjoyed sitting around the table playing games with the family, Uno was a favorite. Gary’s legacy lives on in the love he gave, the courage he showed, and the laughter he shared. He is deeply loved and will be missed by his wife Carol, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Mary, brother Rudy Junior, and his daughter, Lori Packingham.

Memorial gathering will be held Saturday October 11, 2025 from 2 - 4 pm at Dove Cremations & Funerals Southwest Chapel.