Gary A. Crider, 72, of Pioneer went to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 9, 2026, at Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson, Michigan. He was born on Oct. 29, 1953, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, to Paul H. and Mary Ellen (Griffin) Crider. Gary graduated from Findlay High School in 1971 and went on to get his bachelor's degree in accounting from Cedarville College. On Aug. 18, 1973, he married the love of his life Patricia "Patty" A. Brewer in Findlay, Ohio.
Gary was a devoted follower of his Father, Savior and Lord, Christ Jesus. His devotion to God helped him to be a loving husband, father and papa. Gary was a member at Lake View United Brethren Church in Camden, Michigan, where he taught Sunday School and was a volunteer with habitat builds. He was formerly a member at First Church of Christ in Bryan, where he served as an elder.
Gary worked as controller and CFO at various companies, primarily automotive suppliers, retiring from Alex Products in Ridgeville Corners. In his spare time, he enjoyed running, completing three marathons in his life, beekeeping, deer hunting, making apple cider, building wooden boats and playing his trombone for the Salvation Army. Above all, he was the no. 1 fan for his four granddaughters in whatever they did.
Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patty; son Dustin (Heidi) Crider of Auburn, Indiana; four granddaughters, Lauren, Olivia, Vanessa and Emilia Crider; sister, Linda (Tom) Croy of Findlay. He was preceded in death by his parents; and daughter, Katherine Michelle Crider.
Visitation for Gary will be held on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at Lake View United Brethren Church in Camden. A funeral service will immediately follow at 4 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Steve Smith to officiate. Gary will be laid to rest privately at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay, Ohio. Memorial contributions can be made to Lake View Church. Condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Ronald L Gephart
Earlier today
Gary inspired me as we played our trombones in the shadow of Scott Lavender, Gary Wisner, and Steve Dauterman. I remember him telling me how pleased he was when he got to college and the band director told him he was really good. We laughed together, grateful finally for the "superstars" who made us step up our game. Patty, I have many fond memories of you both. Love and peace to you and your families.
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more