Gary L. Richey, known to friends and family as "Butch" or "Lionel", went to be with the Lord on May 2 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 60. Gary was born on October 6, 1957 in Van Wert, Ohio to the late Robert and Ilo (Gribler) Richey. A native of Wren, Ohio, Gary graduated from Crestview in 1976 and immediately pursued a career in any and everything. He was a loving father, brother, son, uncle and friend*, who truly enjoyed staying busy. A man who lived longer than his age showed, he was sincerely a man of the people. Gary was a Jaycee member since 1976, where he received his Senatorship in '91. He was given the Jaycee Ambassador Award, was the 34th President of Ohio JCI Senate and National JCI Vice President. He was an auctioneer, bartender/"counselor," and realtor. Gary was a Van Wert Hot Air Affair committee member, and Special Olympics coach for 32 years with 3 State Championships. He was a past employee and Union Chair at Kennedy Manufacturing. Until last year he worked maintenance, drove bus, and trained drivers at Crestview Local Schools. He loved and was loved by all of his Crestview Kids. Gary was a member of St. Paul's Church of Harrison Township and was attending Redeemer Lutheran of Convoy. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his two sons Brandon (Michelle) Richey and Bryce (Ann) Richey, and by his sisters Betty (Randy) Myers, Barbara (John) Rohrer and Brenda (Ryan) Beitler. A Funeral Service in memory of Gary will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6727 State Route 49, Convoy, OH 45832, with Rev. Mike Saylor officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, 6077 German Church Rd, Ohio City, OH 45874. There will be calling hours, 12 noon - 8 p.m., Sunday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and 9 - 11 a.m., Monday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, Gary's family has set up a memorial fund for a volunteer based scholarship in his honor. Preferred donations are to be made out to Estate Representative Earl Rice at 124 E. Main St. Van Wert, Ohio.