Gary R. Deerwester

Gary R. Deerwester, 68, Van Buren, Ohio, peacefully went to sleep in his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones on Friday, December 17, 2021. Gary was born on February 9, 1953, to the late Robert V. and L. Pauline (Folk) Deerwester in Findlay, Ohio. In 1970 Gary earned the Eagle Scout Award, the highest level of achievement attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. After graduating from Findlay High School in 1971, Gary went on to become everyone's favorite auto mechanic, better known as 'Red', specializing in Chrysler and Dodge vehicles for over 45 years. In 2015, Gary retired much earlier than anticipated due to health reasons. On July 24, 1982, Gary married the love of his life and soul mate, Barbara Kear Miller. Gary was blessed to raise her two children, Torie Miller-McSwiggin (husband, Casey Dannenfelser) of Cincinnati, and Joseph Miller of Van Buren, who survive, along with his precious grandson, Seamus Nolan McSwiggin. His siblings are Karen Fitzpatrick, Sharon Costello, and Neil McAlexander. Gary was the playful, uncle, great uncle & great, great uncle to a host of nieces & nephews. Gary was a fun loving, down to earth man who really got a kick out of making people laugh, feel accepted and comfortable. He willingly and selflessly helped others and so valued work mission trips. He loved fishing with his pal Cliff, their big red rescue, and therapy dog. Gary also enjoyed listening to classic country rock music in their barn as he brought broken cars and repurposed old furniture, back to life. By far, his most favorite pastime was spent being 'Papa' to his grandson, Seamus Nolan and teaching him to fish. He felt blessed to have heard The Truth of Yahweh and be baptized into Yahshua Messiah, and Gary now sleeps awaiting the resurrection. Gary was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Deerwester, his granddaughter Kelsey McSwiggin, his sister Charlene Babcock, and his niece Hillary Johnsen. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Kirkpatrick-Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1 p.m. with Elder Solomon Meyer officiating. Following the private burial for immediate family at Knollcrest Gardens, a celebration of Gary's life will be at 3 p.m. at the Arcadia Community Center, Arcadia, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Root Bears You, P.O. Box 264, Van Buren, Ohio 45889, an outreach ministry that Gary helped facilitate, and/or Three Sisters Pet Rescue - Ohio Hound Rescue, the group that united Cliff with his forever family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com