Gary “Gib” Dean Garver age 73 of Polk, Ohio (Redhaw) died March 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by family and friends following a courageous 5 month battle with kidney, brain, and spinal cancer that spread rapidly.
Gary was born on January 21, 1951 in Lodi, Ohio to the late Willard and Helen (Mowrer) Garver. On May 3, 1980 he married Judy Shoenberger at the Peace Lutheran Church in Ashland by Rev. Jon Bell. They shared 43 years together.
Gary started work at a very young age, educating himself at various gas stations in order to make a living, later working construction, and spent 30 years with CSX/B&O and Chessie System as a trackman, bridge repairman and worked on a travel gang. He carried great passion for old cars throughout his entire life. He bought, sold and traded quite a few vintage cars and made many friends along the way. He was famous for bringing home bits and pieces of others’ discarded junk, making it useful again. He had great success mushroom hunting, and enjoyed Andy Griffith, Three Stooges, Pawn Stars, and American Pickers.
His love for oldies and Elvis music fit well with his love for old stuff, including his trademark well-worn flannel shirts and flat-top haircut. His love of candy, including Whoppers, paired well with one of his nicknames, Gibber the Fibber. He was known as PawPaw Gib, Gare Bear, Gibby and Uncle Gib.
Gib’s garage was a gathering spot for friends to talk shop, check out his latest car projects, and tip back a half cold beer. Gib and his brother and best friend Dave were known to speak the same car language. He was known to all as the guy who loved saving a buck, because at an early age he had to, and that carried on with him throughout his life. He ended conversations with “thanks for the call” and “love you man” and granted nicknames to those he loved.
Survived by Gary is his wife, Judy, two daughters Lisa Marie (Luke) Eichelberger of Jeromesville, Laura Ashley (Tosh) Buckingham of Burbank. Five grandchildren, Brynn, Case and Kennedy Eichelberger, Ridge and Remi Buckingham. Four sisters Carole (Ronnie) Daugherty of Strongsville, Sue Ann (Jon) Zerrer of Wooster, Treva Duncan of Evans, Georgia, Betty Ramsier of Wooster, and one brother, Dave (Arlene) Garver of Polk, Sister-in-laws Connie Shoenberger of Polk, Sandy (Brad) Morgan of Gainesville, Florida, Mother-in-law Jane Shoenberger of Ashland, and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as great great nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Willard Garver, mother Helen Garver, brothers Chuck (Anita) Caskey and Dick Garver, father-in-law Harry Shoenberger, Brother in laws Dean Shoenberger, and Rex Ramsier, and a niece Amie Garver.
Celebration of life will be held May 4, 2024 at 2pm at Morlock Farms, 10282 Jeffrey Road, West Salem, OH 44287. The family asks those with an old car drive it in honor of Gib.
Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society assisted the family. A private interment at Ashland County Memorial Park in Ashland will be held by Gib’s family at a later date.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org