WAPLES

Gary Lee Waples, 76, of London, died Thursday, August 29, 2024, at home in the arms of his beloved wife Maureen.

Born May 9, 1948, in Madison County, Ohio, he was a son of Raymond Waples and Edna (Parnell) Waples.

After high school, Gary studied to become an EMT where he could live out his passion for helping others. He joined the United States Navy and served as an EMT on the U.S.S. Sanctuary stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Gary helped save many American lives during the war and even was able to aid in humanitarian procedures for Vietnamese civilians who were challenged with birth defects. Following his time in the Navy, Gary's service to his country continued by devoting twenty years of service to the Ohio National Guard. Gary then worked as a firefighter/EMT for Prairie Township, where he retired after 25 years. Additionally, he worked as an EMT for Medflight's MICU Ground Unit. Never one to stay idle, following his retirement he became a certified tissue technician where he completed organ, eye, and tissue recovery for Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement (LOOP).

It is through his many years of EMT service that he met his dear wife Marueen, the night nursing director at Doctors Hospital in Columbus. They wed on July 22, 1988, and have shared 36 blissful years together where they have loved, laughed, and traveled to some of the most beautiful locations across the United States. Their marriage serves as a testament to their deep affection and commitment to one another. Gary was the most devoted husband, driven caregiver, and lover of animals. He particularly had a love of dalmatians, and accordingly raised dalmatians for the past 40 years, including his current baby Lindee Lou Lou "Lovebug" Waples. A member of the West Jefferson VFW Post#7005, Gary was certain to always support our military, both active, veteran, and retired. He also liked the simpler things in life where he was able to slow down to enjoy a sweet cup of coffee and watching his favorite program, "The First 48". Never one to be bashful, Gary was sure to always speak his mind and was sure to always be honest. His drive, dedication to others, passion for service, and love for his wife and family serve as a true testament of a life lived to the fullest and that will be dearly missed by many.

Gary leaves behind his adoring wife of 36 years Maureen H. (Hogan) Waples; cousins Teresa (Randy) Lambert of Findlay, and Terri (Duane) Shoemaker of Delaware; sister-in-law Kathy Doughty of Surfside Beach, SC; friends Steve and Sandy Craig, Vicki and Mark Lewis, Bob Hess, Mr. and Mrs. Ora Fry, Mark (Kathy) Gillespie; four-legged companion Lindee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Jennifer Waples, son Joshua Waples; brother Dale Waples; sister-in-law Kathleen Hogan.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM in Somerford Township Cemetery, 830 State Route 56 SW, London, Ohio 43140. To honor Gary's legacy, service, and devotion to his country, full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy, West Jefferson American Legion Post# 201, and the West Jefferson VFW Post# 7005.

A special thank you is extended to the London Fire and EMS Department for their excellent care and insurmountable compassion shown to Gary and his family over the past several years.

The family is being served by the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140, where condolences are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.