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Gary Hovenden Obituary
On May 23, 2025, Gary's brave and courageous battle with ALS ended...a battle he fought with grace, humility and dignity from beginning to end. He passed peacefully in his sleep at home. Gary was a loving and devoted husband, dad, son, brother and friend. He was healed and ran through the beautiful gates of heaven and into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gary's heavenly body, anew and whole, has been freed from the bondage of a wheelchair. With his legs healed, we can be assured Gary is enjoying his daily runs and playing softball.
Gary always enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends. We were blessed to have traveled to foreign countries and hiked national parks in several states. He loved working with his hands and enjoyed building things. He wanted to share those experiences with his friends and his boys. Gary always seemed to have a quick wit about him or a silly voice to share for a laugh.
Gary's career and his love of traveling and running could not compare with how proud he was of his and Nancy's boys. He loved spending time with them, whether it was reading to them (in silly voices), helping with homework, camping, being a "band roadie", getting up at pre-dawn for swimming, or building with World Changers. He loved helping them grow into the men they are today.
Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Joel, and his mother, Patricia.
To carry on his memory, Gary leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Nancy Hovenden, his son Evan Hovenden and wife Kelsie, his son Austin Hovenden and wife Courtney, his father, Harold Hovenden, his brother David Hovenden and wife Danette, and his sister Janet Whelan and husband Tony. He also leaves behind a host of dear devoted friends who stood with him and supported him throughout his ALS journey. There are too many to name, but they are loved and appreciated more than they will ever know!
To honor Gary's life, he would want you to remember the good times, always hold your loved ones tight, forgive freely, laugh often and surrender your heart to GOD.
Memorials may be made in memory of Gary to: Team Gleason Foundation, IamALS, or Carry The Load.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182
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