Gary Dean West, Sr., aged 76, of Groveport, Ohio, passed away on August 9, 2026.

Gary was born on March 8, 1950, in Richlands, Virginia, the son of Mary Cook and his adoptive father, Wendell West. Gary's family relocated to Ohio when he was a child, where his brother, Terry, and sister, Deborah, were later born.

Gary was very athletic and often made headlines in the newspaper highlighting his basketball skills. He also boxed and played regularly on a softball team well into his 40s. He taught himself all about cars and could fix most minor issues himself. He was the one the family would call first whenever they had a car issue, and he was always willing to lend a hand.

Gary retired from the City of Columbus after working as an electrician for over 30 years. He enjoyed nature, cycling on bike paths, working out at the gym, and loved making protein shakes.

He adored his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who all adored him in return for his playful and humorous nature. He was always very generous and enjoyed sharing an extra tip with his waiter or waitress, along with one of his "dad jokes."

He is going to be incredibly missed. He left this life too soon and has broken all of our hearts. But his family is comforted to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, where he desires all of us who remain to join him one day.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Cook; his sister, Deborah Collier; his sisters-in-law, Teresa "Mouse" West and Francis Collier; his brother-in-law, Richard Collier; and his nephew, Jason West.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Marylee Bendig; son, Gary Dean West II; daughter, Heather (Shaun) Hopkins; and son, Ivan (Sarah) West.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gary Dean West III, Savannah West, Jaslyn (Dylan) Tompkins, Jaelyn (Jordan) Garrettson, James Jarman, Jonathan Jarman, Ivan West, Jr., and Colin West; and his great-grandchildren, Jedi, Jaxx, and Julienna Garrettson, and Gabriel West.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Family and friends may gather from 2–4 p.m., with the service beginning at 4 p.m at Myers-Woodyard Funeral Home 587 Main St. Groveport, OH. 43125. A reception for family will be held at the Hopkins home immediately following the service.