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Gary Whitcomb Obituary

GARY A. WHITCOMB, 66, of Greenville, S.C., formerly of Angola, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004, at his residence. Born May 22, 1938, in Sturgis, Mich., he was the son of Ralph W. and Velma J. (Guernsey) Whitcomb of Orland. He lived most of his live in LaGrange and Steuben Counties before moving to Greenville. He was an Engineer and Engineering Manager with Navistar International, Fort Wayne, retiring after 36 years. He was a 40-year member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, was past president of the Board of Northeasten Center Mental Health Association, and a member of Sigma Phi Delta - Kappa Chapter of Tri-State University, where he was a graduate in Mechanical Engineering. He married Constance J. (Arklie) Whitcomb, Sept. 7, 1958, in Brighton, and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Julie Ross of LaGrange, Mrs. Joseph (Natalie) Rizzo of Greenville, S.C., Mrs. Michael (Leslie) Kucinskas of Saline, Mich.; a sister, Rae Jean Whitcomb of Orland; and six grandchildren. Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday, with calling one hour prior, at Brighton Chapel; The Rev. Jeremy Helmuth officiating. Burial at Brighton Cemetery. Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home of LaGrange. Memorials to Brighton Chapel, Brighton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Nov. 9, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Whitcomb

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Michael & Connie Davis

November 29, 2004

My wife and I enjoyed being in a bible study group with Gary and Connie in Simpsonville, SC. Gary was a thoughtful and wise and kind man. He was a great example of a Christian. We were blessed and are blessed to have known him.

Joel & Elaine Jarkovsky

November 21, 2004

It was our honor and priviledge to have known Gary and Connie. It can't be overstated as to the Christain character of both Gary and Connie. It was very evident that his love of the Lord made him a loving Son, Husband, Father and Grandfather. We only knew Gary a few years but we are better people for it and our prayers to go to his entire family. One day they will all be together again. In Christ's Love, Joel and Elaine

Ken & Sherry Van Duyne

November 19, 2004

Time marches on so quickly. It isn't until something happens (an email from Connie that Gary was hopitalized), that made me sit back and reflect on the "good times", those "special events", those "special people" that God allowed Sherry and me to be encouraged by, and share in the Lord's ministry at Brighten Chapel. Our prayers have been for you to know and feel the presence and love of our Lord, and to know that we are praying for you and your family member.



Sorry, we could not make it to the memorial service, but we were thinking of you several times that day. Hope to visit you this winter in SC.

Al Kapp

November 18, 2004

Gary was a good friend of mine and my wife Dell. Gary and I played oplf many times. We went to church together at Southside Fellowship church. He was fine christian man. He will truly be missed. But he is in a better place-heaven.

Amy Thomas

November 18, 2004

Whenever I think of Gary, I always remember his laugh and that memory makes me smile. To me, that is the kind of person Gary was--happy and always ready to share his happiness with those around him.

Sharon McKenzie

November 17, 2004

I first met Gary in grade school. We were in the same class for 10 years but I had started school one year late and that always bothered me. Mr. Kraning (our beloved principle) helped me on the side so I could graduate in 1955 where I should have been, which was with Connie. Gary and Connie have been such good friends over the years. Always a Big Hug of Welcome when I would come back to the Brighton Church to visit. Gary will be missed. He touched so many lives. I am so Thankful The Lord put me on this earth at the same time. I love you both Gary and Connie. Signed SAM (Gary called me) Sharon

Jon K. (Jack) & Elizabeth OAKLEY

November 16, 2004

A very impressive Memorial Service for Gary Whitcomb, in the little town of Brighton IN.,where St.Rd. #3 ends at St. Rd. #120, for 310 Family members & friends on Sat. Nov. 13th, in the Church where they were married 46yrs. ago & were very active members.I first remember Gary on the bus going to Brighton School where, Constance, (as the teachers called her) attended, along with many other students, many of those came back to the town to pay respect to GARY, Who was the Honored Boy of the class of "1956"

with 13 students.

Years passed, our two families moved back to farms, close to this nice community. We lived, worked played & worshiped together & had many fun times with our now grown children through the late 60's, 70's 80's 90's & even into the 20th century. We cherish those good memories now. Gary was one of the 6 speakers at our 75th B.H.S.reunion in 2003 & was to be chairman for the next reunion to come. We prayed since Jan 1st, for God to work a Miracle in Gary's Cancer journey, but the Lord knew that He was preparing a Home in Heaven all along, for Gary. We will miss him but we will join him someday up there.Keep your strong faith & trust in Jesus, Connie, We Love you.



.

Lenny Williams

November 16, 2004

The 20 some years that I worked with Gary were rewarding, fun and educational. Gary was wise beyond his years,always open minded, fair and considerate with his fellow employes. God has chosen Gary for much more important tasks than we can ever imagine. Lenny & Mimi

Al and Maria Wopshall

November 16, 2004

Al and I will always cherish the memory of the day you spent with us last August here in Zionsville. We enjoy showing off our new hometown as much as you enjoyed seeing it. Come back and visit us anytime, and we'll do it all again! Prayers of strength to Connie and her family.

Keith and Ann Hawver

November 16, 2004

Gary and Connie were wonderful friends while we resided in Indiana. They continued to care for us and encourage us when we moved with my mother to Fla. Gary will be dearly missed. I pray that Connie remembers that our prayers are with her in the years to come.

Keith and Ann Hawver

Rex Dodge

November 16, 2004

Not many people measure up to the character and faith of Gary Whitcomb. Fortunately, I had the pleasure and opportunity to work with Gary for many years and experience him first hand. I am both proud and thankful for the opportunity and I only hope that I will in some way be able to measure up to him.



His memorial service on Saturday was a fitting rememberance to the man he was. With his home church overflowing with family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends, he was given a most deserved tribute. While we will all miss him, we are thankful in knowing he is with his Lord.

Nick Mehta

November 15, 2004

Gary was a smart, kind and fun to be with fellow. I liked him for his integrity, fairness and honesty, I pray that his soul rests in eaternal peace.

George & Janet DeRoche

November 15, 2004

I first met Gary 44 years ago when I came to work in the International Harvester Engine Lab. Had some good times together. I remember Gary as a great guy!

Chaplain George Youstra

November 15, 2004

I rejoice that I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I know where my friend Gary now lives! I also rejoice that he loved and taught this young pastor with patience and kindness when we served together at Brighton Chapel. I am a better pastor having had Connie and Gary Whitcomb in my life!

Jack Gaylord

November 15, 2004

I had the privilege of working with Gary for many years. He was always a gentleman and a class act. I enjoyed his company and playing golf with him this past summer. I am sure that he has found a fantastic golf course with an unending supply of Snickers. I will miss him!

Randy and Sonja Workman

November 15, 2004

We enjoyed Gary's memorial service and hearing how Gary touched other people's lives. Gary was a dear person to us, as well as Connie still is. We thank the Lord for friends like you.

Mabel A Evans

November 15, 2004

In memory of a dear brother in the Lord who shared the same birth date as mine and wonderful times of singing at Brighton Chapel.

Arnie Smith

November 15, 2004

Gary and I have been friends since he first moved into our neighborhood in elementary school. We went to the same school (Brighton), and the same college (Tri-State). I will always remember good times at basketball, baseball, school, and church with Gary. After college we continued to keep in touch. Gary worked on components for the Apollo Crawler Transporter, while I worked on the Apollo moon landing missions. We will miss Gary as all his friends and family does.

Jacqui Rock

November 15, 2004

I had the pleasure of working with Gary in the Product Litigation team. Gary's even temper and expert knowledge always brought a sense of order and calm to tense situations. We shall miss his smile and experience.

Andrea (Arklie) Byrnes

November 10, 2004

Gary was the brother I did not have. He entered my life when I was eight years old...that was when he started dating my sister. What a wonderful brother he was. He cared deeply for his family, his church and his community. He will be miss by all.

Jim & Brenda Catanzaro

November 9, 2004

What do I do with some left over Snickers? We will miss him on the Golf course for sure, as his loved ones will miss him everyday..



Be safe all

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