Alvin H. Gleason

Alvin H. Gleason, 91, of Frankfort, KS, passed away November 19, 2020, at the Onaga Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 24, at the Frankfort United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Masks will be required. Pastor Jim Akins will officiate. Julie Gleason will serve as pianist and soloist.

Pallbearers will be Angie Gleason, Carrie Eagle, Michael Gleason, Trevor Gleason, Audrey Gleason, Tanner Gleason, Erika Quilling, Tyler Gleason, and Joanie Hosfelt. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Burton, Lynn Koons, Lynn Shepherd, and Terry Hale. Burial will be in the Goff Cemetery.

Alvin was born July 25, 1929, in Goff, KS, to William and Sarah (Jones) Gleason, the third of six children. Alvin’s father owned the Whiteway Garage, and Alvin began working there at a very young age. In 1960, Alvin became a Chevrolet dealer, and in 1968, he moved the garage to Frankfort and changed the name to Whiteway Chevrolet, Inc.

Whiteway was truly a family business. Alvin owned the business alongside his brother, Steve. Their wives, Lilah and Nancy, both worked at the garage, along with Alvin’s sons, Bryan and Brent. The business became not only a successful dealership, but also a gathering place where countless friendships were formed over the years.

On June 19, 1949, Alvin married his sweetheart, Lilah Wenger. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with two sons, Bryan and Brent. Alvin was devoted to his family and treasured the time he spent with them.

Alvin was deeply involved in both his church and community. He taught Sunday School for preschoolers, served as a Boy Scout leader and UMY leader, and held leadership roles as Lions Club President and Rotary Club President. He was also honored as a Paul Harris Fellow recipient.

Family meant everything to Alvin. He attended countless ballgames, parties, school activities, and family gatherings involving his children and grandchildren. In 2009, he was recognized as the Centralia Schools Panther Fan of the Year, an honor that reflected his faithful support and enthusiasm for his family’s activities.

Alvin loved camping, boating, fishing, and hunting. Bryan and Brent learned to fish, ski, and hunt at an early age, and many cherished family memories were made during camping trips to Tuttle Creek and Milford Lake. Alvin especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren and spending time outdoors with them, passing along both his skills and his love for nature.

He also had a lifelong passion for automobiles. Alvin and Lilah attended many car shows where they proudly displayed their antique cars. He especially enjoyed participating in The White Way car run and became affectionately known as “Mr. Whiteway” among fellow car enthusiasts. His love for Chevrolets was unmistakable, and family reunions often looked like Chevrolet car shows.

Alvin never knew a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, lend a helping hand whenever needed, and tell stories that others genuinely enjoyed hearing. His kindness, humor, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, especially by his loving family.

Survivors include his wife, Lilah; sons and their families, Bryan (Mary) Gleason; Angie, Lauren and Charlotte; Carrie Eagle (Stony), Ellie Davis (Christian) and Abbie; Michael (April), Brodie, Breylan and Braxton; Audrey; Erika Quilling (Brad); Brent (Julie) Gleason; Trevor (Amber), Hudson and Jolee; Tanner (Sammy), Tessa, Layla and Luxa; Tyler (Kaylee); and Joanie Hosfelt (Jamie), Whit and Scottie.

Additional survivors include his brother, Steve (Nancy) Gleason; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Faye Jean Dean and husband Allen; infant sister, Donna May; brother, Michael and wife Mary Alice; and brother, Bill and wife Evelyn.

A memorial fund has been established to the Frankfort United Methodist Church.  Contributions may be sent in care of Padden Funeral Chapel.