Gary Luther Hench

Gary Luther Hench, age 78, died late Tuesday night, December 15, 2020 at Signature Healthcare of Galion after a short illness.
Gary was born on April 5, 1942 in Shelby to the late Harry Martin and Arlene Winifred (Livesay) Hench. When he was younger, he worked for Ballonoff Metal Products in Shelby. Gary looked forward to the many activities that Signature offered. He was by far the luckiest Bingo player in the facility, went on many trips to Walmart, and enjoyed painting and various arts and crafts. He even won a trip to Disney World in Orlando from Signature and had a wonderful time with other residents, nurses, and aides. Gary was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan and collected hundreds of baseball cards over the years. He also loved watching the Andy Griffith Show. Gary was a super sweet guy and will be missed by many.
Gary is survived by his sister: Caren Smith of Galion; two half-siblings: Pamela Hessey and Donald Hessey; cousin: Allen Hench of Clyde; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his son: Carl Hench; and grandma: Stella Mitchell.
Family and friends are welcome Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 10 am until the time of funeral service at 11 am at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Pastor Bill Seymour will officiate and burial will follow in Biddle Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the nurses and aides at Signature Healthcare in Galion for all their help and care for Gary over the last 6 years. The family also asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the activity fund at Signature Healthcare of Galion, 935 Rosewood Avenue, Galion, OH 44833.
Sympathy may be expressed by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Gary’s obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
Caren my heart is heavy for you and your family. Gary will be greatly missed by his Signature family. It was an honor to care for him. I personally lost a true friend and my heart is broken. I love you and your family and will keep you in my prayers.
I loved my brother dearly and he will be missed. I wish I could be there at the funeral, but my heart will be there for my family. God bless you all.
Love,
Pam
So sorry to read about Gary. He was in all my elementary and most SHS classes, as they assigned alphabetically. I think he also attended Mrs. Lingo’s K ?
I always liked Gary and, yes, he was one sweet person.
I remember he and I were working on his writing his name , while sitting in a back row in Mrs. Yetzer’s SHS English class. He was so excited and happy. Of course we both got reprimanded by her for our ‘whispering’ and not paying attention. ♥️
My dear Caren , I am so very sorry for your loss of Gary. I am heartbroken and so very sorry I wasn’t there. I just saw this on the 27th. He sure loved you so much ! I loved him as well now him and Mom are up starting a bingo night.