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BORN
1942
DIED
2025
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Gary Shope Obituary
01/18/1942 - 07/07/2025
Gary Eugene Shope, 83, of Toledo, Ohio, loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully, Monday, July 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born January 18, 1942, in Kenton, Ohio, to Albert and Amy (Duhl) Shope.
Gary proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. For 39 years, he worked as a railroad engineer with B&O, C&O, the Chessie System, and retired from CSX. In addition to his railroad career, Gary was a charter boat captain on Lake Erie, where he found great joy guiding family and friends to the largest walleye and perch in the Western Basin. A talented musician, Gary began his musical journey at Buck Lake Ranch in Angola, Indiana. He recorded an album and toured the country for over 30 years with his band, Gary Shope Interstate Country, playing country and western music. Later, he led the house band at the Stony Ridge Inn, continuing to share his love of music locally. He also served as president of the Family Motor Coach Association of America, combining his passion for travel and community.
On March 20, 2018, Gary married Patrick Codden. Together, they were active fundraisers for the LGBTQ community in Toledo and enjoyed traveling and camping-locally at Bluegrass Campground in Swanton, and across the country. Gary was also an accomplished cook, a dedicated flower and vegetable gardener, and a devoted John Wayne fan. A lifelong dog lover and proud supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Gary brought warmth, talent, and adventure into the lives of all who knew him.
Gary is survived his loving husband and companion of 31 years, Patrick; siblings, Sue Shope- Donahue and Glen (Kathy) Shope; along with many nieces, nephews, loving family members and dear friends. Preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Joyce, David, James, and Sandy; along with his former wife, Carol; and an infant son.
The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Millbury Chapel, 1111 Woodville Road (east of I-280), Friday, July 11, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in the funeral home. Interment, Lake Township Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Shope
Sponsored by Eggleston-Meinert-Pavley Funeral Home - Millbury Chapel.
4 Entries
Pat (Keller)
July 14, 2025
To the Shope family, it is with great sorrow that I just read about Gary's passing. Hadn't seen him in quite a
while. We started the first grade together at good
old OLNEY. My Mother and Step-father used to go to
Buck Lake and listen to him quite often. Keep the
great memories of him in your heart forever.
May you all find comfort at this time. Pat (Keller) M. class of 1960
Mike Homenuk Tom Potter
July 12, 2025
Gary and Patrick were wonderful friends in the camping world. Adventures abound. So much energy and compassion for life. He is at peace now, it just so sad to see him go.
Sending love for Patrick, in the days to come.
Be well Patrick.
Love
Gwynne Gray
July 10, 2025
Gary Shope was a dear friend with my mom and dad Bud and Irene Knighton...They helped promote him back in the 60/70's locally...He even lived with us for a time..We had many adventures with Gary at Buck Lake Ranch we met lots of Nashville stars back stage even over that time...Our fa.ilies were close I hung around with his brothers and sisters as teens..Lots of good times always..He was an amazing singer everyone loved his music...He will be missed by many family and friends and musicians I'm sure..RIP Gary
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Eggleston-Meinert-Pavley Funeral Home - Millbury Chapel1111 Woodville Road, Millbury, OH 43447
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