Gary was the third child of Robert (Bob) Lowell Yattaw and Wanda Mae (Ginder) Yattaw, who preceded him in death.  He was born in Anderson, Indiana and raised in Pendleton. After finally passing Freshman English in his Senior year,  he graduated in 1973 from Pendleton Heights High School and went on to graduate from Devry University.  He was an Electronic Warfare technician and  Vietnam era veteran in the United States Navy.  He worked for GTE Telephone Operations beginning in July 9, 1979, retiring from Verizon Communications on December 31, 2015.

Married to his first wife Joan Zagorski (Merriman) they had two wonderful children, Alexis Marya Wyman (Matt) and Gabriel (Gabe) Lowell Yattaw (Sybraina.)

Married to Barb,  he took on the responsibility of Dad to two more wonderful children,  daughters Emily Grace Good and Sarah Jane Good.

Gary was a history buff and especially loved The Civil War, traveling to Gettysburg numerous times and visiting most of the Civil War battle sites…he also loved going to Madison, Corydon, and Metamora, Indiana telling everyone within earshot  the history of those towns (Over and over again whether they wanted to hear it or not LOL he didn’t care he loved sharing the stories.)

Gary had many names he went by with the many different relationships in his life.  To his close buddies he was Larry or Lar; he was Dad to his children, his stepchildren called him Smeeks and Freddie;  grandchildren called him Grandpa and Bop.  His wife and friends called him many names,  some of which can’t be published.

He was there for the birth of all of his grandchildren Rex Wyman, Lyla Wyman, Claire Wyman, Jasmine Ceba, Evelyn Yattaw.  He was blessed with one more granddaughter, Gracie Addison when God sent his son her mom Sybraina.  He was truly blessed and adored all the kids; he loved his family and friends.  He was especially proud to be Dad, Grandpa and Bop.

He thoroughly enjoyed fishing with his buddy Rocky Baker and golfing with his buddies, who have all preceded him in death, Rocky Bushong, J.D. Smith, and Dean Gimple. He loved golfing with his buddy Mark Gutshall where they were once told by the group of women behind them, “You can play badly or you can play slowly,  but you can’t do both.”

Gary was lucky to have had many friends both new and lifelong.  Special friend, Thomas K. Watson  was always there for him. They  could get in trouble just sitting in the garage.  They were known to improvise and I know of at least one furnace that has a beer can inside to collect water from a drip.  His special Colts and Cubs buddy, John Grimes,  texting during those games became quite exuberant at times and I’m sure words were typed more than once that would make a sailor blush!

Childhood friends Jeff Andrew’s (Larry), Mike DeWitt “Larry” and Dottie (lovingly known to him as Clarabelle), Denny Brandle aka Damnit Denny,  Chip Schaffer “Larry”;  the Mahaffey Tag Team – Pam and Cheryl Mahaffey; Rocky and Shawn Bushong, Danny and Angie Sweet; Carla and Dean Gimple; Curtis Jarrett; Gary and Terri Whistler.   I heard many a story about all!  I’m sure I have missed many of his friends, rest assured he loved you all.

He is survived by me, his wife, Barb; sisters Sheila Schafer (Jay); Debbie Yattaw and brother Roger Yattaw (Cheryl); his four children and six grandchildren. Uncle Ronnie (Rachael), Aunts Rosemary and Sharon; sister-in-law, Karen King, brother-in-law, John Waldschmidt (Suzanne); mother-in-law, Mary Waldschmidt; many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He belonged to the American Legion, Post 212 in Lapel, Indiana and Amvets Post #26 in Pendleton, Indiana.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention his beloved dog, Wilson and not so beloved, yet loyal,  dog Lexi who he affectionately called Pooper.

A memorial service presided over by Pastor Ryan Kellam, will be held at Pendleton Community Church of God,  636 East Water Street, Pendleton, Indiana 46064, at 11:00 on Saturday, October 6th, 2018.  A lunch will be served afterwards for anyone who would like to stay and remember Gary with his friends and family.