Clifford Jay Gary, 79, of Angola, Indiana departed Friday, May 8, 2026 at his home. He was cared for by his wife, Anne, and Hospice.
He was born on his father’s 32nd birthday, April 22, 1947, in Marshall, Michigan to Clifford W Gary and Edith A (Granger) Gary. He graduated from Sturgis High School, Class of 1966, Sturgis, Michigan. “Stub” Gary excelled in band and wrestling; but most of all in friendships.
We officially blended our family September 27, 1986. Married in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart, Indiana. Daughter weekends were special.
Clifford W., Edith “Tootie” and Stub each earned a private pilot’s license. Flying became Cliff’s absolute calling. He loved aviation and was a flight instructor to many in Elkhart, Indiana. Two such special students introduced Cliff to Anne. Well, that seemed to work out okay.
His careers in transportation were: Central Transport 22 years, Pilot, Wells Cargo, 16 years, Travel Management Corporation, 10 years. He made the transition from Corporate to Private Executive Charter, an avalanche of learning, which he mastered. George Meyer and Cliff were in the cockpit together for the 16 years at Wells Cargo. George said of Cliff: once he was told something “He had it”.
Survivors include wife Anne (Stump) Gary, Daughter Heather (Gary) Stone, Step-Daughter
Heidi (Raderstorf) Marston. Son-in-law: Michael Stone (Heather) Granddaughters: Samantha, Alexandria. Son-in-law: Michael Marston (Heidi). Many cousins; his “siblings”. Former spouse Nancy Parker.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers who died in infancy, sister-in-law Jane (Stump) Yeggy, niece Melanie Cabiness.
For every problem, there is a solution. God is the ultimate mathematician.
Cliff died one day shy of eight years from the end of his flying career. With Anne by his side, they navigated through each day of daily walking with his “go-cart”. Of course it was red with Nitro on the side. His favorite Driver: John Force, NHRA.
My best friend’s last sentence spoken “I am flying”. His smiles during his preparation for departure were the best I have ever seen.
We celebrated our lives with over 100 friends, family, and neighbors at our Lake Home of 30 years in Coldwater, Michigan June 11, 2022. A private internment of ashes will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), www.t2t.org .
Condolences may be expressed online at www.weichtfh.com
Local arraignments were handled by the Weicht Funeral Home, Angola Indiana.
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