Gary Ray Dearing, 76, Hanover
Mr. Gary Ray Dearing, 76, of Hanover, Indiana, entered this life on January 28, 1947 in Huntingburg. He was the son of the late Henry E. and Virginia M. Pfaff Dearing.
He graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1965 and Vincennes University in l968.
Gary was inducted into the United States Navy on January 22, 1969, in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the Vietnam War. He rose to the rate of Aviation Electronics Technician (Aircraft) Petty Officer Second Class. He was honorably discharged on January 19, 1973, at Jacksonville, Florida, receiving the National Defense Service Medal.
He re-enlisted on January 19, 1973, at Jacksonville and rose to the rate of Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer First Class and was honorably discharged on January 18, 1979, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation. He re-enlisted on January 19, 1979, at Jacksonville, Florida and served at New Orleans, Louisiana and was discharged on November 9, 1983, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
He re-enlisted and rose to the rate of an Air Traffic Controller Chief Petty Officer E-7 and retired on January 31, 1991, at Alameda, California, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, his Fifth Good Conduct Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
He was united in marriage to Diana Marie Goeppner on August 24, 1968, at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Ireland, Indiana. This happy union of nearly 54 years was blessed with three daughters, Bethaney, Katina and Tamara.
Gary and Diana spent many years traveling in the U.S. Navy and they retired to Hanover in 1990. Gary began a new career with the Indiana Kentucky Electric Corporation as an electronics tech instructor and retired after 19 years of service.
Gary was a member of North Madison Church of Christ in Madison, Indiana. His Grandfather Pfaff was a big influence in his life and they enjoyed bowling together every Saturday, where he also worked as a child. He also enjoyed watching IU basketball and being with his grandsons. He enjoyed bowling on leagues in Madison and was proud of his 300 score and bowled until his death.
He enjoyed studying the Bible with the ROMEO group of men from his church every Tuesday. He also graduated with a degree in business management from North Wood Institute on May 16, 1987. Gary will be remembered for his devotion to his family and to his Lord and Savior.
He was extremely excited about the upcoming birth of his granddaughter, Maxine in July.
Gary died on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. at the Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, after a battle with melanoma.
Gary will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Diana Marie Goeppner Dearing of Hanover, Indiana; his loving daughters, Bethaney Dearing and her husband, Lance Guth of Bedford, Kentucky, Katina Tekulve and her husband, Elliott of Greensburg, Indiana, and Tamara Dearing and her husband, Zachary Burrell of Louisville, Kentucky; his grandchildren, Dexter Guth, Zander Guth, Chase Tekulve, Jackson Tekulve, Sai Dearing Burrell; his brothers, Michael Dearing and his wife Marilyn of Huntingburg, Indiana, Brian Dearing of Louisville, Kentucky; his sister, Jan Meadows and her husband Gary of Owensville, Indiana; his uncle and his aunt, Marvin and Jeanette Boeglin; his sisters in law and brothers in law, Carol Herzog, Larry Geoppner (Linda), Thomas Geoppner (Roseann), Judy Rees (Michael), Bess Hardin (Jim), James Geoppner, Steve Geoppner (Barb), Sara Beck, and Michelle Dame (Keith); several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry E. Dearing, who died December 24, 1969, and his mother, Virginia M. Pfaff Dearing, who died September 23, 1998.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road in Madison, Indiana.
Friends may visit Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.
A final salute and military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Ceremonial Unit and the Major Samuel Woodfill Post No. 9 of the American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wreaths Across America for the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com.
