Gary Lee Hipsher, 82 of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away on September 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Gary was born in Shelby, Ohio, on October 23, 1942, to William Carl and Valeria (Fair) Hipsher. Gary was a 1960 graduate of Shelby High School. While there, he designed the hungry hound whippet for the high school. He also painted a rendition of Jesus for The United Church of Christ in Shelby and an Alice In Wonderland mural at his mother’s candy shop, The Sweet Bin.
Gary went on to study art at Kent State University, where he met his wife, Joanna, classmates, and professors with whom he became friends throughout his life. Gary was editor of the Kent Quarterly and secretary of the Civil Rights Club. Gary also attended The University of California, Berkeley.
He then moved to San Francisco, California, where he and Joanna were married in 1969. At that time, Gary became employed with The United States Postal Service, where he worked for 34 years and was recognized for his generous philanthropy, earning the Combined Federal Campaign Award “For Helping the People in Our Community, Our Country and Around the World”.
Gary spent his free time reading, collaging, completing crossword puzzles, and helping with his grandchildren. He contributed to charitable organizations such as United Way, NAACP, and Idea Stream Public Radio. Gary loved visiting the Mansfield Art Center and had a piece in the May Show in the early 1980s. In the late 80s, he had a one man art show in downtown Mansfield.
Gary loved sharing stories and photos of his family and was known to many as “Grandpa Gary”. He was like a walking dictionary and could define just about any word in the English language. He always came through for his kids and grandchildren by helping with school projects and translating difficult reading assignments including Shakespeare and any of the classics! It will be difficult not having him here to answer all of our challenging questions.
One of his proudest moments was donating bone marrow to his sister, Penny, which added
years to her life. Gary was kind to all, and would help anyone in need.
Remaining to cherish Gary’s memory are wife, Joanna Hipsher; daughters, Chris (Doug) Queen, and Dolly (Matt) Konz; grandchildren Jarrod, Vivienne, Natalie, Matthew, and Paxton; brothers, Bill (Diane) Hipsher; Jim (Joann) Hipsher; sister, Carla (Greg) Pronto; niece, Adrianne (Jason), nephew, Kyle (Kate); great nieces and nephews and special cousins.
Preceding Gary in death are parents Carl and Valeria; sister, Penny; and nephew, Todd.
A celebration of life will be held for Gary on October 25, 2025 at The Knights of Columbus, 1114 Park Ave. W, from 4-7 pm.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org