Gary Vanhooser

Gary E. VanHooser, 83, of Chillicothe, went to be with the Lord at 5:07 pm, December 3, 2016, after a hard fought battle with a brief illness. He was born May 31, 1933 in Chillicothe to the late Perry F. and Odessa Smith VanHooser. On December 24, 1952 he married Phyllis Beeler, who preceded him in death November 23, 2011. They had four children from that union, whom he leaves behind to love and remember him, Randy (Mary) and Greg (Bobbie) VanHooser, Kerry (Jim) Mankin, and Eric VanHooser; grandchildren, April, Elisha, Hillary (Jason), Holly (Chris), Shawn (Danielle), Jamie, Jana (Joe), Odessa and Phillip; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Hannah, Daven, Brennan, Autumn, Brandt, Ava, Caden and Alex; sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Ralph Yingling; sister-in-law, Charlotte Beeler; brothers-in-law, Steve and Butch Beeler and Hal Adcock; many nieces; nephews; and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Nolan Brunner; and brothers, Perry Jr. and Larry Phillip. Gary was a 1951 Centralia High School graduate. He served in Communications of the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, stationed several places in the United States. He retired from the VA Medical Center-Chillicothe. He had a passion for aircraft all his life, learning to fly himself. He delighted in going to air shows with his family. He loved spending time with and spoiling his best friend and canine companion, Maxie. He enjoyed reading, Jeopardy, mushroom hunting, talking with his sister Sandy, especially during Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State University ball games. He also enjoyed solving the problems of the world at his favorite place, Crispie Creme, with his buddy Clint, and all their friends. He loved family dinners, and always had a quick answer and a funny joke. Funeral services will be held 1:00 pm Thursday at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory. Military graveside services, conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard, will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Friends may call 11-1 Thursday at Haller's.
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