Edward Benjamin Galliart, Jr., 70, died Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home in Hoisington. He was born June 23, 1953, in Great Bend, Kan., the son of Edward Benjamin Galliart, Sr. and Oma Mae (Smith) Galliart.  

In the summer of 1972, July 8th, he married Sonya Kay McKay. To this union two children were born, Edward Benjamin Galliart, III and Crystal Marie Galliart. They had 13 years together, but they later divorced.

Edward worked in the oil field working for Dresser Atlas Oil and N.L. Acme in his earlier years and then went on to be an over the road truck driver. He later worked as the building supervisor for the Scottish Rite Temple in Wichita retiring at the age of 52 due to health reasons. Edward loved golfing, working on his truck, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He was quite the jokester and was always making silly noises and playing practical jokes on his family, but in all sincerity, it was done in love. He loved his family, his kids and grandkids and genuinely missed his parents. He also deeply missed his loyal four-legged companion Bear.

He is survived by his children Edward Benjamin Galliart, III and wife Angie Anderson-Galliart of Great Bend, and Crystal Marie Brown and husband Brian of Newton; sister, Glenna Mae Ritchie of Great Bend; ex-wife, Sonya Viegra and husband Tim of Great Bend; and six grandchildren, Trinity Galliart of Havasu City, Ariz., Elijah Shah and Chelsi Cordray of Sterling, Mikayla L. Galliart and Steven M. Sexton II, Kayden Benjamin Galliart, and Tatum and Keelon Anderson, all of Great Bend; and a great-grandson, Liam Matias Shah.

Friends may sign the book now until service, there will be no viewing as cremation has taken place. Family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Don Fisher presiding. Inurnment will follow in Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials may be made to LADA Paws Rescue, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington KS 67544. Notices may viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 18, 2024