Gary D. Nelson, 68, died on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016, at 4:25 a.m. at his residence in Lima, Ohio.

He was born on Jan. 31, 1948, in Lima, Ohio, to Ralph M. and Freda L. (Curl) Nelson and they preceded him in death. On June 6, 1969, Gary married Marilyn E. Tarr and she survives in Lima.

Gary worked for the Shawnee Township Road Department. He retired after 30 years as superintendent. He was a 1967 graduate of Ada High School. He was a Vietnam War veteran having served in the US Army from 1967-1969. Gary was life member of the Ada VFW Post #9381 and a former member of the Indian Lake Lodge #1533 Loyal Order of Moose. He enjoyed drawing and woodworking.

He is also survived by a daughter: Deana (Jamie) Basinger of Lima; a granddaughter, Cora Basinger; a brother, Erwin (Cathy) Nelson of Ada; two sisters, Peg (Bill) Cook of Lima and Anita (Tom) Armey of Continental; mother-in-law, Darlene Tarr of Ada; a sister-in-law, Carol (Vic) Jones of Ada; a brother-in-law, Mike Dudgeon of Ada; and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by a son, Ryan Dean Nelson; a brother, John Nelson; a sister, Patty Roof; father-in-law, Roger Tarr; and sister-in-law, Linda Dudgeon.

It was Gary’s wish to be cremated. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. Burial of ashes will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Ada. Graveside Military service will be conducted by the Ada VFW Post #9381 Honor Guard.

          Friends may call two hours prior to the service, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.