Ned A. Gaylord

Ned A. Gaylord, age 76, went home to the loving arms of Jesus on January 17, 2026, at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas.

He was born on April 9, 1949, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the seventh child to Walter B. Gaylord and Cynthia J. Gravelee.

Ned attended Albuquerque High School, graduating with the Class of 1967. He enlisted shortly after, proudly serving his country in the United States Army for three years during the Vietnam War. Discharged as a sergeant, he received a Bronze Star for notorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces.

On April 18, 1971, Ned married Diane Niedfeldt in Belvue, Kansas. Together, they shared 54 years of marriage. Diane survives at the home.

Ned enjoyed a long and diverse career. He spent 17 years in road construction as a mechanic-welder before dedicating 23 years to Honeywell, where he worked as a configuration data manager. He was known throughout his life as a hard worker who took pride in every job he did.

At the age of 50, while working full-time, he graduated summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Business Management from National American University in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Ned loved to stay busy. He had a passion for creating and fixing things with his hands. He enjoyed volleyball, walking, and was an avid collector, believing that everything had a purpose and value.

Ned served his local church as a Sunday school teacher and was an active member of the Men’s Integrity group with Grace Fellowship in Los Lunas, New Mexico.

He is also survived by his son, Todd Gaylord, and wife Cathy of Pottstown, PA; his granddaughters Dana and Caitlin; his sister Pearl and husband Will Rivera; his sister Lila Hafenstine; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings: Alfred Mitchell Gaylord, John Robert Gaylord, Theresa Cynthia Bruce, Daniel Edward Gaylord, and RubyAnn Drennan.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and can be left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.