Ali Haydar Gokmen

Ali Gokmen, age 94 of Huntsville, AL, passed away peacefully in his sleep June 17th, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1932, in Koyu Turkey. He came to the United States in 1957 to go to college and after graduating, became a Civil Engineer and worked with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline his whole career; starting in Kansas City and moving to Liberal Kansas where he retired in 1990. He became a US Citizen and married his beloved wife, Fay, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years before her passing (May 25th, 2005).

Ali was enamored by the American Cowboy culture and was known for always wearing his Cowboy Hat, Belt Buckle and was an avid Square Dancer. He was a big fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood movies. A diligent investor, Ali influenced many with his incite and knowledge. He was passionate about living life and not letting age dictate what you can or can’t do. He would let you know he was ‘Mature’ not old!

He was preceded in death by his wife Fay, his parents Ali & Lutfiye, and his four siblings. He is survived by his two children Suzan Gokmen Bowman (Claude) & Kevin Gokmen (Devon). Grandchildren, Jason, Sarah, Nesha, Camron, Caleb, Joey, Madison, Kemper, Aaron, Kaden, Aliyah and 7 Great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on June 27th from 10am to 11am at the Laughlin Funeral Home in Huntsville AL with a service to follow at 11am. The graveside service will follow on June 30 at 10:30am at the Harveyville Cemetery in Harveyville KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Heart Association. www.ppdfuneral.com