Gary Garber Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Born on June 5, 1940, in Peoria, Illinois, to John and Freeda (Baker) Garber, Gary spent his entire life in Metamora. He married Sherry (Davis) Garber on March 20, 1970, in Bloomington, Illinois. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year.
Gary is survived by his wife; his three sons, David (Adrianne), Doug (Nicole), and Todd (Keri); four grandsons; three granddaughters; two step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; brother, John (Karen) Garber of Metamora; sister, Murlene Oesch of Middlebury, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Myron Oesch.
Gary's legacy is one of faith, love, and friendship. He was a devoted Christian husband, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a loyal friend who will be deeply missed.
A dedicated member of Metamora Mennonite Church, Gary served as trustee for many years. He worked in Research and Development at A. O. Smith Harvestore in Eureka, Illinois, and in 1988 became the maintenance director at Snyder Village Retirement Community-a role he held for 35 years. Gary cherished his time at Snyder Village, forming lasting friendships and touching many lives.
A special joy for Gary and his family was welcoming three young men from Brazil into their lives: Ricardo Gracia in 1990, his brother Eduardo in 1995, and now Ricardo's son, Thiago, who currently resides with Doug and Nicole. All attended MTHS and became part of the family-a blessing that continues today.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, staff, and residents of Snyder Village for their exceptional kindness, support, and care throughout Gary's time as both an employee and a resident. Your compassion and friendship brought great joy to Gary and will never be forgotten.
Visitation will be held at Metamora Mennonite Church on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life Service will take place at the church on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Bob DeBolt and Pastor Gary Salm with officiate. A private family burial will follow at Hickory Point Cemetery in Metamora.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Snyder Village Resident in Need Fund, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or Metamora Mennonite Church, 1393 Mennonite Road, Metamora, IL 61548. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Lee Garber, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
219 E. Partridge St., Metamora, IL 61548
Make a Donation
in Gary Garber's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Garber's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
