Memorial services have taken place for George Gurley, a longtime Emporia firefighter and one-time assistant chief who passed away last month at age 82.
Born in Emporia in 1938, Gurley graduated from Emporia High in 1956, married Wanda Windes two years later and started what turned out to be a 24-year career with Emporia Fire. He rose to assistant fire chief before becoming Winfield’s fire chief in 1982, a position he held until retiring in 2000.
In addition to his time with the Emporia and Winfield fire departments, Gurley also served as president of the Kansas Chapter of Arsonist Investigators and was active in several churches.
Gurley is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Memorials in Gurley’s name can be made to the Fireman’s Relief Fund in care of Miles Funeral Service of Winfield.
