Gary Lynn Tribolet

Gary Lynn Tribolet, 68, of Van Wert, died peacefully at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2014, at his home. Beside him was his loving wife of 43 years, Eunice (McKinney) Tribolet and children Travis Tribolet of Van Wert and Trena (David) Puckett of Antwerp, and grandchildren Kimberly, Kelsie and David Puckett.

Gary was born May 13, 1946, in Van Wert, the son of the late Chester and Marcile (McCollum) Tribolet. He is also survived by his sisters, Patty Klewer and Nancy (Bill) Evans, both of Van Wert; three sisters-in-law, Barb Tribolet of Van Wert, Sandy (Carl) Wagner of Forest City, Iowa, and Ginger (Linda Markward) McKinney of Van Wert; a brother-in-law, Stephen (Marsha) McKinney of Indianapolis, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

A brother, Jack Tribolet; and one brother-in-law, Rudy Klewer, also preceded him in death.

Gary was a man of few words, but his actions spoke for him. Gary loved our Lord and served and gave quietly in many ways. In his youth, he loved to race and was known as the “Red Light Kid” while racing his 1969 Oldsmobile 442 locally and the area race circuits. He was an avid NASCAR fan and his favorite driver was No. 48. Gary also loved auctions and going to Porters in Grover Hill No. 311.

In recent years he has best been known for sitting on his front porch waving to everyone. Also, going to Orchard Tree restaurant to harass the waitresses with his buddies in crime, Dean Pontius and Gary Bowman. Gary’s heart was big and he loved giving to others, but never more than for his three grandchildren.

Gary worked for more than 30 years at the former Aeroquip Corporation (now Eaton), retiring in 2001.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 21, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Tim Owens officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, July 20, and an hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: “Hug those that love you, serve our Lord, and give however you can.”

Online condolences may be left at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.