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BORN
1935
DIED
2018
GARY HONAKER Obituary
"COACH"
February 17, 1935 – January 9, 2018
Gary Honaker was born to Cleo Neal and Garnard Rufus Honaker in Bluefield West Virginia. Gary graduated from Beaver High School in 1954 and attended Concord College until he moved his family to California in 1959. Gary worked for Morris Plan Company for many years until leaving to become an instrumental part of the startup and opening of Western Financial Services. Gary retired to the "Golf Course" in 2001.
Gary has been a resident of Fontana, California since 1967. He was known to his friends and family as "Frog", but to his Fontana Community he was better known as "Coach". Gary served his community in many ways. Gary was a member of the Exchange Club, elected to serve on the Fontana School Board, and was honored into the Empire Scholastic Hall of Fame. Gary worked closely with the Parks and Recreation. "Coach" was mostly known for his success as the "Coach of Fontana Pop Warner Buck's." He coached the Bucks for 32 years from 1967 to 1998 leading them into 23 Championship games in which he won 15 of them. "Coach" was inducted into the "Wall of Fame" at the Ralph M. Lewis Sports Complex in 2006 marking his legacy in the City of Fontana.
Gary was preceded in death by his son Richard Honaker. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Carol Ann; daughter Beth "Hazel" Ann Huff and husband Don from Alta Loma; five grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; one brother, Scott and wife Carolyn from Maine.
Gary never forgot where he came from. He loved West Virginia and returned home often to visit his lifelong friends and family. He truly loved the people, the mountains and the beauty of his home state.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 @ 11:00 a.m. at Montecito Memorial Park. 3520 E. Washington St. Colton, Ca.
In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Fontana Pop Warner in honor of Gary "Coach" Honaker.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GARY HONAKER
Sponsored by Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.
D Huff
February 1, 2020
Miss you Grandpa! Love you
Beth Honaker Huff
February 1, 2020
Its not easy here without you but Im trying! Missing you every single day.❤
Your crazy Haze!
C H
February 17, 2018
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family at this very difficult time. John 6:40
Trish Graham
February 9, 2018
Carol Ann and Beth I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and your Daddy. I did not know him as well as I would have liked, but he always treated me kindly.
February 9, 2018
My Dearest Elizabeth,
How sad I am for you for the loss of your "Daddy". What a "Special" man he was to you and you to him. Hearing what a "Special" bond you two have had throughout these years is something so Wonderful. Continue sharing those Wonderful Memories with others around. Talking, Laughing, Crying helps the healing process. But Always Remember your "Daddy" is looking down upon you each and everyday. Always know that if you need him just reach out and he will be there for you. Much Sympathy and Love to you.
Heidi aka Hilda
Gary Young
February 9, 2018
Sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I've known him for years, through my employment in Fontana and also when my mother (Joyce Young) worked with him. She worked at Morris Plan and Western with Gary.
February 9, 2018
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. One day many will have the opportunity to live again. May the hope of everlasting life sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. John 17:3
Sincerely, F.Mitchell
Robyn Swirkal
February 8, 2018
Dad to my lifelong friend, Beth, Gary was the best. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Beth Honaker Huff
February 8, 2018
Missing you every minute of everyday. I'm blessed that you are my daddy and we had the most loving, touching, undisputed exceptional relationship that people, even family members were amazed by. Thank you for just a beautiful life. You are the most amazing father and wonderful man.. besides how handsome you are... love always, your crazy Haze!
Missing you
Beth HONAKER Huff
February 7, 2018
Jamison (Jamie) Briggs
February 7, 2018
Coach Honaker, May you Rest In Peace. praying for Gods comfort for your family and friends. I played on the bucks under Coach for 3 Years in the early 70's. He was a strong and inspirational influence to me. I lost touch with him but will never forget his positive influence. Jamison (Jamie) Briggs
lisa williams
February 7, 2018
i will miss the Costco phone call every year.
salica williams
February 7, 2018
I am truly going to miss that once a year Costco call. gary hired me at western financial and its now been almost 30 yrs and we talk every year. I thought about him this morning, and I just got the news. so sad.
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