Gary Canaday, 83 years of age, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
He was known by many titles: Friend, Uncle, Papa, and Dad. However, his favorite title was "husband". Gary adored his high school sweetheart, Barbara. They were married 63 years ago, and throughout the years, they enjoyed involvement in their church and Christian school, serving others, and hosting friends and family in their home. A hallmark of Gary's character was his sacrificial love for his family. Whether it was driving home from Chicago to support his daughters in their various activities or breaking away from his weekend "to do" list to attend his grandsons' sporting events. Gary was never too busy for family and was always up for a friendly game of Hand and Foot, provided it was followed by coffee and ice cream.
Gary spent most of his career in construction management at Moody Bible Institute and Ball State University. He found great delight in building campuses that would enhance the lives of students. He was an avid reader who became a published author at the age of 82. Gary was passionate about volunteering, which took many forms: American Red Cross blood donor, serving the homeless with My Brother's Keeper, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army, project work for Teachers Treasures, and shining donated shoes for the Wheeler Mission Thrift Store. He enjoyed giving back to his community and did it with a happy heart.
Gary is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Yonan), daughters: Lori (Todd) Ellwanger and Allison (David) Barber; grandsons: Matthew (Lydia) Kline and Zachary; nieces: Melissa (Mark) Horn, Tracie (Jay) Miller; nephew, Matthew (Amanda) Yonan, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
A visitation will be held at Burns Funeral Home, 701 E. 7th Street,
Hobart, IN, on Friday, November 10, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. CST. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Wheeler Mission, (www.wheelermission.org). www.burnsfuneral.com