John M. Mcgary

John M. McGary, 80, of Destin, Florida and former Connersville resident, died Sunday, February 10, 2013 while on a skiing outing in Vail, Colorado. John was born September 22, 1932 in Connersville to Mark and Margaret Cox McGary. His family owned a grocery store in town and John attended St. Gabriel Church and St. Gabriel School. In 1950, he graduated from Connersville High School where was an honor roll student and starter on the basketball team. John graduated from Ball State University in 1955 with a bachelor of science degree in Education. During college, he was enrolled in the ROTC Program and served in the U.S. Air Force until 1960. John was called back to active duty in 1968 for a tour in Vietnam where attained the rank of captain while attached to the 71st Special Operations Squadron. John began his career in the casket hardware business at National Metal Products in Connersville. He retired from Matthews Corporation, Richmond in September 2004 and moved to Destin, Florida to be closer to his son and his family. John had coached youth sports in Connersville and was an active member of the Richmond YMCA. He had been a member of several civic organizations and most recently was a member of the Wiseman’s Society in Destin, Florida. John is survived by his son: Chris McGary and his wife, Susan of Destin, Florida; his grandchildren: Erin McGary, Cailyn McGary, Summer Harrison, Emily Aranibar Morkos; Jessica Ratliff; his sister: Mitzi Heeb and her husband, Francis; nieces and nephews: Gary Heeb, Beth Ann Quinter, Kathy Doyle and Mark Drebin; his close companion since 2005: Ms. Bev Demos of Destin, Florida. Together they enjoyed walking, socializing with friends and vacationing together. John really loved her company. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sister and her husband, Wilma and Harold Drebin and his former wife, Judy Johnson McGary. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Gabriel Church with Rev. Stanley A. Herber officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery with military honors provided by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit at the church from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to “I Heart Aubrey Grace” to benefit John’s great-granddaughter who suffers from a congenital heart disorder. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.