Gary Ray Van Fossen

Gary Ray VanFossen, age 84, of Sidney, went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2020. He was born to Bessie (Laws) and Andy VanFossen on July 23, 1936 at his family home in Port Jefferson, Ohio. He and Barbara Sue (Wilson) were married on July 26, 1958.

Gary graduated from Sidney High School in 1954 then served in the U.S. Navy for 2 years aboard the USS Prairie and USS John A. Boyle. He began his association with Sidney Printing and Publishing (Amos Press) at the age of 9 as a paper boy. He retired as Vice President of Industrial Name Plates/ Visionmark in 1993 after a 41 year career with the company.

He was a dedicated public servant who took an active role in serving the community of Shelby County. He was elected to the Sidney City Council in 1973 for 8 years and served as Mayor for 6 of those years. Gary also served as the President of Sidney School Board, as a Shelby County Commissioner and also as a Clinton Township Trustee. He supported and served the Kiwanis Club and Alpha Center. He and Sue were active members of Sidney First United Methodist Church. In 2001, Gary received the Sidney City Schools Hall of Honor Award.

Gary enjoyed sports of all kinds but more importantly the relationships and fellowship they provided. He also spent time gardening, woodworking and cooking. He loved his family, friends and community. Gary never met a stranger and was kind to everyone he met. He had the most beautiful smile and infectious laugh.

He was preceded in death by his parents Andy and Bessie, and beloved younger brother Jack. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Sue, their children Doug (Wendy) VanFossen, Eric VanFossen and Angela (Don Drabant) VanFossen. He was a wonderful grandfather to his beloved grandchildren Laura, John, Kate, Claire and Grace and great grandchildren Nora, Lily, Theodore and Felicity.

The family will host a Celebration of Life Event in the near future to celebrate Garys life with family, friends and members of the community. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sidney First United Methodist Church to support the Alpha Center or the Community Fund.