Gary R. Wilson, age 73, of New Haven, Ohio, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Mercy Hospital. He was born May 10, 1947 in Shelby, Ohio to the late John Gerald and Jeannette (Baker) Wilson, and lived all his married life in New Haven, Ohio. He retired from RR Donnelley's in Willard after working there for 42 years and owned a snow plow business for 35 of those years. He graduated from Attica High School in 1966 and had also graduated from Ohio Police Officer Training and was a reserve policeman for the City of Willard. Gary liked working on cars, woodworking, yardwork, glass working, watching NASCAR races, was a Christmas enthusiast and truly enjoyed driving his prized 2010 Camaro-fast. His favorite hobby was spending time with his family and especially with his grandchildren. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Vietnam as a Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division, and was awarded a Bronze Star.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Sue (Coffey) Wilson, whom he married March 16, 1974 in Willard, three children, Brandon Thompson of Whitehouse, OH, Jennifer (Chris) Ostrowski of Bowling Green, OH and Victoria (Rev. Ricky) Branham of Willard and 6 grandchildren, Austin, Ela, Aleksander, Ricky, Riley and Vera. He is also survived by 3 siblings, Sandra (Gene) Foley of Raleigh, N.C., Joan Cochran of Willard and Lonnie (Connie) Wilson of Mansfield and brothers and sisters-in-law, Brenda Malcolm, Carol (Tim) Finch, Leah Coffey, Roger (Valerie) Coffey, Ralph (Sharon) Coffey and Linda Coffey, along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Gerald and Jeannette (Baker) Wilson, mother-in-law, Mazie Coffey, brother-in-law, Larry Coffey and best friend, Paul Painter.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio where the funeral service will be Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ricky Branham officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
The family requests that everyone please wear a mask and abide by the social distancing requirements.
Condolences
arden kessler - Apr 25, 2021
So sorry to here this. Worked with Gary for a long time. We had some great conversations. Another veteran gone too soon!!
Greg and Deb Chaffins - Apr 22, 2021
Karen and family, We just wanted to let you know that we were thinking of you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Robert (Butch) Thompson - Apr 22, 2021
I worked with Gary for many years at RRD. So sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Bev Ganni - Apr 22, 2021
To Gary’s family, My sincere condolences. I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He had an infectious laugh and was so nice to work around at RRD. God bless each of you during this difficult time.
Gary W. - Apr 21, 2021
So sorry to hear about Gary, We both were at RRD and Gary always said I was his namesake. I told Gary my son was in the 82nd, I had to get him a sticker for his windshield. Prays to everyone.
Peggy Opatken - Apr 20, 2021
Ricky.victoria and children. Thoughts and prayers for you.
Michelle Criss (Schwan lady) - Apr 20, 2021
Karen and family, my condolences. Still find it hard to wrap my head around it, just being at your house and chatting the day before. Many years of friendship with Gary talking in the driveway, about everything from what flavor of ice cream to shopping experiences, to just starting the camero to hear it rumble. He will be greatly missed. My heart aches for you and the family.
Janet Dawson - Apr 20, 2021
Karen and extended families. So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Prayers to everyone. 🙏🙏
Mary Ann - Apr 20, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss Karen Wishing you peace to bring you comfort. Courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold forever in your heart. Praying for you and your family.
Marsha Ganni, Ashley King and Ethan Wenninger - Apr 20, 2021
Victoria, Ricky Jr, Ricky III, Riley and Vera, Sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prays. God Bless
Dan and Sandy swartzmiller and Aggie Seasly - Apr 20, 2021
Karen ,Victoria and Jennifer and families..Thinking of you..So sorry for your loss.
Penny Mastron Howell - Apr 20, 2021
Karen, Jennifer, Victoria and families, We were very sad to hear about Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time and the days ahead. Penny and Gordon
Jim, Sandy, Luke and Ben Blum - Apr 20, 2021
Sorry for your loss. Prayers. Good New Haven family. I was very appreciative of Mr. Wilson sitting with my Dad when my Dad was hospice and keeping him company. That was a big deal for my family. Thank you.
Sue Ditz - Apr 20, 2021
Karen and family, we are so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We understand your pain.
Sue Babione - Apr 19, 2021
Karen and family, my heart goes out to all of you. I didn't know Gary well, he plowed my drive way a few times. But, he was a very nice man. May the Lord comfort each of you during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Gracie Dials - Apr 19, 2021
Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Johanna Beebe - Apr 19, 2021
what a shock!! Gary and I were talking about my husband Dick Beebe working with Fred Heisler when they were young! He was friendly and happy person I am so blessed to have been able to talk with him at the museum opening. So so sorry for your loss May God be with you Karen and your family. May Gary rest in peace.
Johanna Beebe - Apr 19, 2021
what a shock!! Gary and I were talking about my husband Dick Beebe working with Fred Heisler when they were young! He was friendly and happy person I am so blessed to have been able to talk with him at the museum opening. So so sorry for your loss May God be with you Karen and your family. May Gary rest in peace.
Pam MacDonald - Apr 19, 2021
Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a great guy, so kind, funny and just uplifting to be around. I still remember his excitement when he got that Camaro. Praying for you and your family for peace and comfort from God in this difficult time. Love you, Pam
Justin Savage - Apr 19, 2021
Oh Karen!. I was just sick when I learned of Gary's passing. Though I had only met him but one time in the summer of 2019 at the Church festival, I felt that we got on pretty well as we chatted about his military service and various interests. I remember having remarked to my brother as we were leaving what a nice down to earth fellow Gary was and that it was a pleasure to have met him. We are in difficult times now and Gary is spared the dark days yet to come for the country he served with honor. He is in God's hands now and lives on in all of our hearts. God's Blessings to you and your entire family. Your friend always, Justin
Karen E Mills - Apr 19, 2021
Karen & Family I’m so sorry to hear about Gary. He will be missed. May you know that all of you will be in my prayers! You have so many cherished memories together. God bless .
Esta F Polachek - Apr 19, 2021
Sending Love and Prayers for this special family, so sorry for your loss.
Sandi & Mick O'Brien - Apr 19, 2021
Karen, So sorry to hear about Gary God Bless you and your Family
Linda kessler - Apr 19, 2021
Karen victoria Jennifer. So sorry for your loss. Gary was fun and easy going loved seeing and talking to him in the store. Such a nice man he will be missed.
Curtis and Jenny Barnett - Apr 19, 2021
Karen and family, prayers for comfort for you all during this difficult time! God bless you all!!❤
Mary - Apr 19, 2021
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I worked with him at RRD years ago and he was such a nice guy and so helpfull to new hires. a gentel giant
Patti & Jim - Apr 19, 2021
Karen & family, so sorry to read about Gary’s passing. Our prayers are with all of you.
Sherry - Apr 19, 2021
Karen and family I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers
Laurie and Joe Mann - Apr 19, 2021
I am truly sorry for your loss. I would like to offer you and the family our deepest condolences to you and Jennifer and Victoria during this difficult time. Thinking of all of you
Gene and Sue Biglin - Apr 19, 2021
Dear Karen, We are heartbroken that Gary our dearest friend, has passed. Our friendship of 47 years is a gift that we will always cherish! Our heartfelt condolences to you, Jennifer, Victoria and their families.
Bob & LaVonne - Apr 19, 2021
Kind thoughts and prayers are going out to Gary’s family and friends. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Louie and Linda Shorter - Apr 19, 2021
Prayers for Gary’s family for peace and comfort at this very sad time. We both knew Gary for many years from working with him at RRD.
Brenda Cramer - Apr 19, 2021
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for all.
Veldean gearheart - Apr 19, 2021
Karen, Jen,& Victoria, I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary ws a beautiful person. God bless you all.
Curtis - Apr 19, 2021
So very, very sorry for your loss, Karen. Gods Blessings to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tom & Bertha Wireman - Apr 19, 2021
Karen, Victoria, So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Gary was a kind and gentle man. Our hearts break for you and your family. Love you Karen and Victoria praying for peace at this sorrowful time.🙏🙏
Trish Palmer Tarr - Apr 19, 2021
Sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Thinking of you all.
Jim & Jackie Ratliff - Apr 19, 2021
We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father & grandfather. Keeping all of you in our prayers.
Bonnie Tackett - Apr 19, 2021
Dear Karen, I have known you for so long. I remember when you and Gary were married. I send you and your family my sincerest condolences, love, comfort, and strength, during this difficult time. Your friend.
Pam & Paul King - Apr 19, 2021
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We both worked with Gary at RRD and will always have fond memories of him. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
gayle and randy - Apr 19, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We send up prayers for peace for the family!
Tom - Apr 19, 2021
Karen, so sorry for your loss. Sorry I didn’t get to reconnect with Gary.
