Gary French

Gary Lee French, a longtime resident of Roann, died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne. He was 72.

Gary was born at Kosciusko Hospital on March 13, 1952, and grew up on a farm near North Manchester. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1970.

Gary had a challenging life. He beat bladder cancer twice, survived a brain tumor and several serious accidents that could easily have been fatal. And though he earned frequent flier miles at numerous hospitals, he always emerged with a smile on his face and, typically, a Marlboro between his lips.

Gary took great pride in his Roann home, which was decorated with numerous photos and memorabilia of his family. He could often be found on his front stoop drinking a Pepsi and watching the world rush past on State Road 16, or in his home with his dog, Midget, viewing “UFO Hunters” on the History Channel.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Vaudene French. He is survived by a sister, Kathy Judy, of North Manchester, and a brother, Ron French, of Okemos, Mich.

Gary will be interred at South Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery in a private ceremony for immediate family.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.