1937 - 2024
Merl Leonard “Mario” Hollis, 87, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Cumbernauld Village.
Born November 21, 1937, in Winfield, he was the son of Roy Jackson and Thelma Fay (Pieratt) Hollis. He was raised and received his education in Oxford, later attending Southwestern College and WSU. As a young man, Mario worked many odd jobs before joining the Kansas Air National Guard. He served the Air National Guard Reserves for six years, receiving an honorable discharge on August 24, 1963.
He was united in marriage to Bonnie Jean Giatt in 1979, at the First Baptist Church in Oxford. The couple made their home in Oxford and later in Wichita. Mario worked for Boeing Aircraft in Computer Services, retiring in 1994. They loved camping and canoeing and enjoyed vacationing in the Southwest. Mario was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Wichita. He was also involved with the Red Cross, donating blood and going on blood transports. Bonnie preceded him in death on April 20, 2008.
His family includes his daughter Kyra Hollis of Winfield; and his son Shaun Hollis of Newkirk, OK.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
The family will hold private services. Miles Funeral Service in Winfield is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established in Mario’s name for the Kansas Food Bank. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
