Dr. John E. Gasper, 79, retired school administrator, died Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Rosary, 7:00 P.M., Monday, April 20; service, 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 21, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M., Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, KS. There will also be a memorial service, 4:00 P.M., Saturday, May 2, at Northwest High School in Wichita. John Gasper was born October 17, 1929 in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1947. He enlisted and served 18 months in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1948. John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in 1952, and his Master of Education degree from Wichita State University in 1956. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Wyoming in 1967. John taught Physical Education at Arkansas Avenue Elementary School in Wichita beginning in 1952, and he ultimately became principal. In 1959, John became assistant principal at Wichita Southeast High School. In 1967, he was appointed principal at Mayberry Junior High in Wichita. He was principal at Wichita North High School from 1968 to 1977. In 1977, John was selected to be the first principal of the newly established Wichita Northwest High School. John worked closely with the architects and contractors of Northwest High School, and was influential in the design of the facilities. John was Principal of Northwest from 1977 to 1989, when he retired from the Wichita Public Schools. From 1989 to 1994, John served as Principal of Andover High School. John then served as the first principal of the newly built Derby High School during the 1994-95 school year. Thereafter, for several years, John taught graduate level courses in education at Friends University. Over the years, John had also taught education administration courses at Wichita State University. In 1978-1979, Dr. Gasper was the first recipient of the Wichita Administrators Association's "Administrator of the Year" award for outstanding contribution to educational leadership in Wichita. He also served on the Executive Board of the Kansas State High School Activities Association from 1985 to 1987, and was President of the Association from 1986-1987. He was also an active member of the North Central Accreditation Association. In 1989, he was recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for educational leadership. John also received numerous awards for years of service, distinguished service, and dedication and commitment. John was known for his dedication and devotion to his students and staff. As was summed up in an award from the Board of Education, USD 260, Derby: "Dr. Gasper has earned a reputation for constantly heaping praise and appreciation to students and staff who take appropriate actions, but it is more than appropriate that praise be heaped upon him for his service not only to Derby High School but to thousands of students in Kansas." Survivors: wife, Margaret; sons, Steven B. Gasper and John K. (Elisa) Gasper all of Wichita, Kerry M. Gasper of Topeka; brothers, Donald Gasper of Anthony, Gary Gasper of Wellington; grandchildren, Garrett Gasper, Logan Gasper, Amanda D. Gasper-Bruner and Mieshall E. Gasper; great-grandchildren, Zachary Posey and Jayden Smith. In addition to family, John leaves behind numerous close friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. John E. Gasper Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Credit Union of America, 212 S. Ridge Rd., Wichita, KS 67209. The scholarship is for deserving students who desire a career in education. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.