Gary D. Strayer

Gary D. Strayer, 71 of Delphos passed away on Sunday evening, May 19, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. His Family...He was born on February 28, 1942 in Delphos, Ohio to the late Russell and Velma (Clark) Strayer. He married Helen (Compton) Strayer on July 1, 1984 and she survives in Delphos. He is also survived by five children, Jennifer (Trent) Gause and Angela Strayer, both of Delphos, Lisa (Jim) Kirk of Elida, Jeri Lynn (Chuck) Ferguson of Ayersville, Ohio, and Daniel Spence of London, Ohio; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald (Juanita) Strayer of Denver, Colorado and Michael (Becky) Strayer of Delphos; a sister, Marilyn Louth of Delphos and sister-in-law, Margaret Strayer of Delphos. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Laura Lee Spence; a brother, Gale Strayer; a brother-in-law, Paul Louth; and a step-father, Robert Ditto. His Legacy... Gary graduated from Delphos Jefferson class of 1961. He retired as a Sergeant First Class from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service, serving in the Ohio Army National Guard from 1964-1982 and U.S. Army (AGR Tour) from 1982-1993. He retired after 12 years as a correctional officer from the Allen Correctional Institution in Lima. He was a member of the Delphos Wesleyan Church. His Farewell Services...Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth Street, Delphos. A Celebration of Gary's Life will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Strayer Funeral Home with Chaplain Bob Gibson, officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded by the Delphos Veterans Council. Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's memory to the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary D. Strayer please visit our Sympathy Store.