Gary Allen Van Buskirk

“What a great guy.”  That’s what they are going to say about Gary Allen Van Buskirk, our dad, our grandpa, our brother, our uncle and a good friend to so many.  Born at home on their farm outside of Marseilles on October 25, 1934, he was the fourth of an eventual seven children.  Surviving siblings include sisters, Ruth Patten and Rebecca Schwilk, both of Upper Sandusky.  He was preceded in death by brothers, David Van Buskirk and Dana Van Buskirk and sisters, Rosalie Morris and Norma Jean Hankins.  He attended Marseilles school always bragging that he finished in the “top ten” of his class.  I think there were only 10 in his class.

Son of Hiram Harrison and Maude Grace Van Buskirk, Gary played basketball in school and worked on the farm raising livestock.  He married his high school sweetheart, Emilie Maxine Van Buskirk on July 28th, 1952.  She preceded him in death in April of last year.  They went on to raise 5 children, Christie (James) Thompson of Piqua, Ohio, Jill (Steve) Cooper, Jennifer (Thomas) Tucker, Paula (Philip) Wright and Gary Harrison (Jessica) Van Buskirk, all of Marion.

Gary was a big family guy and very proud of his brood, 11 grandchildren, (Angela (James) Lehman, Douglas Paul Arnold, Casey (Johnny) Fortuno, Jennifer (Mike) Robinson, Andrew Martin, Sarah Cooper, Jessica (Gregg) Stephens, Julie (Grayson) Pittman, Philip (Laura) Wright, Nicholas Van Buskirk and Nathan Van Buskirk), 19 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.  One of his grandchildren and one great grandchild preceded him in death, Douglas Paul Arnold and Skylar Van Buskirk.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Gary was quite a storyteller, sharing his funny experiences in the story form we all loved.  I think he loved hearing them again himself as much as he loved retelling them to us.  He retired after 40 years from Eaton Manufacturing of Marion, Ohio.  After retirement from Eaton, he drove the bus for the Senior Center for 10 years.  He had been an avid bowler and golfer throughout his life.  He was a loyal member of the Elks and a lifetime member of the Moose Club.  He had an enjoyable social life.  He loved playing euchre and dancing with family and friends.

Gary and Maxine enjoyed traveling and visited Mexico and Germany, and many states across the U.S.  He told stories of some of his golf outings with his buddies.  Gary was a member and supporter of the Meeker United Methodist Church, 6400 Harding Highway West of Marion, Ohio 43302, and any contributions to the church in his memory will be welcomed and appreciated.

Visiting hours at Boyd Funeral Home in Marion will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm.  Services will be held at Meeker United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 26, 2023 starting at 11am followed by the burial at Frame Cemetery in Meeker.

Thank you to all during this time for your kindness and caring.

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