Gary Lynn Vannatter, 61, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2011 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born on July 6, 1949 in Muncie to Louise (Shewmake) Vannatter and the late Arlie Vannatter. Gary attended Cowan High School. After school Gary enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corp. and served our country from 1967 to 1973. And on February 14, 1970 Gary married his sweetheart Donna Elaine Beaty in Muncie.
Gary was employed with The Muncie Star Press for nearly 40 years as a sales associate. For two years he participated in Muncie''s Soapbox Derby. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. Gary was a life member of the VFW; a past member of the American Legion, post #19; and a past member of the AMVETS, post #12. Gary never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone at anytime. His family and friends will miss him greatly.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Donna Vannatter of Muncie; son Gary Lynn Vannatter of Muncie; mother Louise Vannatter of Muncie; mother-in-law Beverly Flick of Muncie; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Peggy and Mike Bailey of Muncie; brother-in-law and his fiance Tim Beaty and Sherry Silvers of Selma; nephew-in-law Tim Beaty, Jr.; great nephew-in-law Grant Beaty; great niece-in-law Isabelle Beaty; and many, many friends. Special friends also include Kaitlyn Gilland; Emily Gilland; Kaitlyn Hatfield; and Mathew Hatfield.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Arlie Vannatter; both sets of grandparents; and father-in-law Joseph Beaty.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Rd. 3, Muncie. The funeral service will be on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Belinda Pinkstaff officiating. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with military rites honored by the Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Delaware County Honor Guard with envelopes provided by the funeral home. If you would like to sign the online guest book and send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.gardenviewandgardensofmemory.com.