Gary Lamar Van Bibber, Sr.

Gary Lamar, " THE BEST THEY ARE, " Van Bibber Sr., 79, passed from this world to his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, peacefully comforted by his family's love, honor, and prayer on the morning of Friday, March 8, 2024. He was born in Hamden, Ohio, on April 30, 1944, to the late Gould and Frances Montgomery Van Bibber and raised by his grandparents, the late John and Vertie Eberts Montgomery. He graduated 18th of the Hamden High School Class of 1962. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam Era from 1966-1968, attaining the rank of sergeant. Gary was a hard-working, systematic, and meticulous masonry contractor who found great joy in his brickwork. His brick and masonry work is prevalent throughout central and southern Ohio. Gary is survived by his wife and best friend of 34 years, Mandy Barry Van Bibber. He was a loving father and is survived by four daughters : Stephanie ( Abe ) Eggers of Wellston, Dottie ( Rhett ) Murphy of Virginia, and Lacie and Zada Van Bibber of Jackson; and two sons, Morgan Van Bibber of Jackson and Gary Van Bibber Jr. of Logan. Gary loved to make people laugh.He was quick to remind us that nothing in this world counted except what we did in Christ. He instilled the value of hard work and providing for his family. Gary, known by his family as Poppy, found great joy in spending time with and loving his grandchildren : Emily ( Zac ) Walker of Tennessee, Abby Van Bibber of Columbus, Braden ( Kayla ) Murphy, Hannah Murphy, and Reese Murphy of Virginia, Brock ( Gracey ), Brooke, and Baylee Eggers of Wellston, Jana and Olivia Rogers of Jackson, and two great-grandchildren, Lexi and Natalie Walker of Tennessee.He is also survived by a very special aunt, Hilda Montgomery; his lifelong friend, Jerold Allman ; his brothers : Dennis ( Patty ) Phillips of Dayton, David Van Bibber of Pennsylvania, and Gene ( Penny ) Van Bibber of Virginia; his favorite chef and sister-in-law Linda Black; sister-in-law, Maggie Brewer; brothers-in-law : Mike ( Carla ), Pete ( Deninse ), William ( Margie), and Tim Barry; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.Besides his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his friend and mother of his two children, Karen Sue Martin Van Bibber; a son-in-law, Shane Adam Meadows; a brother, Jerry Van Bibber; and brothers-in-law : Harmon, James, Robert, and Tom Barry.Friends may gather at the Jenkins Funeral Chapel in Wellston on Friday, March 15 from 6 until 8 P.M. Services will be Saturday , March 16 at 1 P.M.. at the Jenkins Chapel with Walter " Bub" Norris and Brock Eggers officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery in Wellston. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion / DAV Honor Guard. Donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Online condolences may be made at www.samjenkinsfuneralchapel.com . Gary’s online video tribute is available to watch.