Gerald "Jerry" Eugene Wente's Obituary
Gerald “Jerry” Eugene Wente, 84, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones and the cherished staff at Arma Health and Rehab in Arma, Kansas. He was devoted to his family, faith, sports, and the outdoors.
Jerry was born on January 4, 1942, at home in Frontenac, Kansas, to Henry and Essie (Mitchem) Wente. He attended Frontenac schools and graduated in 1960 and was quarterback for the 1959 undefeated Frontenac Raider football team. He later attended Kansas Teachers College in Pittsburg, Kansas, on a basketball scholarship before beginning his career with Pepsi-Cola of Pittsburg. Known to many as “Oil Slick,” Jerry worked for many years in the bulk oil and gas business. He eventually started Wente Oil Co. in the mid-1980s and retired from Castagno Oil Co. in Pittsburg at the age of 75.
Later in life, Jerry became a lay leader and active member of Frontenac United Methodist Church. He took great pride in his faith and enjoyed Friday morning breakfasts with the men of the church.
In 1991, Jerry married Penny Giffin at Pittsburg United Methodist Church. Together, they built a loving family, including their daughter, Jessica Rose Crockett (Russell), and his daughter, Debra Jean Long (Jim), from his previous marriage.
Growing up with eight siblings laid the foundation for Jerry’s love of family gatherings, and he was always the life of the party. He loved coaching his children and grandchildren in sports and was never shy about offering advice and wisdom after every game. It was not uncommon to find him cheering on the Frontenac Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs, or the St. Louis Cardinals. From an early age, Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was passionate about mentoring his children, nephews, and grandchildren in all things outdoors and especially cherished hunting trips with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Penny, of the home; his children, Debra Long (Jim) and Jessica Crockett (Russell); his cherished grandchildren, Brandon Long (Kasey), Jennifer Long, Ryan Long (Camryn), Chloe Crockett, and Dean Crockett; his sisters, Mary Jane Ray of Tennessee and Wilda “Billie” Butcher of California; his brother, David Wente of Frontenac; his sister-in-law, Rose Wente of Missouri; his brother-in-law, Bill Knowles of Frontenac; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Essie Wente; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Rose Giffin; his brother, Henry Robert Wente; his sisters, Mardell Chesshir, Emma Jean Campfield, Margie Nicaise, and Delores Knowles; and his brothers-in-law, J.T. Chesshir, Bob Campfield, Albert Nicaise, Butch Butcher, and Jack Ray.
Memorial donations in Jerry’s memory may be left at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home & Crematory and made payable to Frontenac United Methodist Church or SEK Animal Advocates.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Frontenac Senior Citizens Center for friends and family.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald "Jerry"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald "Jerry"?
Share a story where Gerald "Jerry"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald "Jerry" you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald "Jerry" make you smile?