Gary Lee Wion

Gary L. Wion, 67 of Chandlersville, OH, went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2015.  Gary was born on March 29, 1948 in Zanesville to Harold R. and Kathryn S. (Leasure) Wion.

Gary graduated from Philo High School, he then went into the US Army where he served in Vietnam during the infamous Tet Offensive from 1967-68.  Gary served his country with distinction and was awarded several medals and badges for bravery and meritorious service including The Bronze Star with ‘V’ and Oak Leaf Cluster, and was awarded the Honored Air Medal having participating in more than 25 aerial missions.  During his tour in Vietnam, he met a life-long friend, Grady Powell, who passed away in August, 2015.

After returning to Zanesville from Vietnam, Gary briefly went to OUZ, and worked for the Ohio Ferro Alloy in Philo, but soon moved to Buffalo, NY where he worked for Envirogas and started a family.  Gary finally found his niche with the US Postal service in Erie, PA and after relocating back to Zanesville, he retired after 22 years of service.

While in Erie, Gary developed a true passion for fishing.  Gary dearly loved his family, friends and especially loved their company, whether it was up on Lake Erie or on one of his nearly 50 trips to Canada, Florida and other ‘fishy’ destinations.  Gary faced some amazingly tough trials during his life, but lived his life to the end with integrity, love and dedication to his family, friends and country.  He was known by all for his great smile and his love of life.

Gary is survived by his dear son, David Wion of Chandlersville; his former wife Rae Lindsey; his five brothers David Wion, H. Ricky (Ida) Wion, Timmy (Diana) Wion, Denzil (Cindy) Wion and John (Yanina) Wion; four sisters Kathy (Tobias) Watters, Linda (Gene) Davis, Tammy Rinehart, and M. Charlene (Ike) Chambers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Clara B. (Wickham) Coen, his twin brother Larry G. Wion, his sister Karen A. Wion, and a niece, Angela Kern Hale.  Also, preceding him were grandparents, Perl and Mary (Roberts) Wion and Thomas and Katheryn Leasure.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior at woundedwarriorproject.org or to Genesis Hospice, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, OH 43701.

A memorial service will be held in Gary’s honor on November 8, 2015, at 3 pm, at the Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls with Phil Walker officiating.  Gary will be laid to rest with honors in Arlington National Cemetery.