Donald Gary Stretchberry, 72, of Weston passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on Friday, June 2, 2017.
Gary was born in Weston to the late Donald and Ann (Elchisco) Stretchberry. Gary married the love of his life Emily Johnson on March 27, 1965 in Custar, Ohio and she preceded him in death on December 29, 2016. Gary is survived by his daughters; Lisa (Kevin) Kennedy and Julie (Rodney) Wichman both of Weston, grandchildren; Mitchell Kennedy, Paige Hoffman, Jaiden Wichman and Abbygail Wichman, sisters; Sandra (Dick) Hillier, Linda (Mike) Damron and brother Dave (Kim) Stretchberry.
Gary, better known as “Stretch”, was a laborer at Campbell Soup and then worked at American Can Company in Whitehouse from which he retired. Gary loved to fish. His daughters recall fun memories of fishing with their father as young kids. They enjoyed family vacations together to the Smokey Mountains, Jamaica, Catawba Island, and Hocking Hills. They spent many years boating and camping at Wagner’s along the Maumee River. Camping around the pond every Labor Day weekend was a family tradition that was monitored by Gary the Camp Ground Superintendent.
Gary spent much of his time at home caring for his lawn, garden and his pond. When he was able, he would get out on the open road on his Harley Davidson Sportster. His garage, the “Stretch Inn”, was the place to be. Family and friends of all ages would gather every weekend and a good time was always had by all. Gary also had a group of special friends that gathered every Monday at the Stretch Inn. As Stretch was well known as the only one who enjoyed the taste of Old Milwaukee, his friends often joked that he alone was able to keep the company in business. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. His eyes would light up whenever they were around. He wore his All American Grandpa T-shirt with pride. He will be greatly missed.
The family asked to say a special thank you to the Bridge Hospice Care Center, Wood County Hospital, as well as Dr. Brown, Dr. Atwell and Dr. Lavey.
Visitation for Gary will be on Saturday June 10, 2017 from 11:00 AM until the time of his Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 PM in the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, 1460 W. Wooster St., P.O Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Memorial contributions in Gary’s honor may be gifted to either The American Cancer Society, Bridge Hospice Care Center, or the Wood County Humane Society.
On-line condolences as well as fond memories may be sent to Gary’s family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
