Gary Lee Farnsworth

Gary Lee Farnsworth, 74, of Dover, died Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in his home following a lengthy illness.A son of the late Clarence and Leah (Mercer) Farnsworth, Gary was born September 24, 1935 at Wheeling, West Virginia.Gary graduated from Adena High School in 1953 as the class salutatorian. He then continued his education at Cleveland State University.From 1956 to 1969, he worked for Nickle Plate and N & W Railroad as an O.D.R Agent.In 1967, Gary started a 40 year career with H.R. Block. His career began as a tax preparer for the offices in Wheeling and Pittsburgh. He then became the manager of the Dover office in 1971 then the manager of the Zanesville office a year later. Gary eventually returned to the Dover office as a Managing Satellite Director. Finally in 1984, he purchased the franchise rights to the New Philadelphia and Newcomerstown offices and retired in 2005.He was a member of the Church of the Living God. Gary was also a member of the Newcomerstown F. & A.M. #175 and the Newcomerstown Royal Arch Masons #124.Gary was an avid sports fan. In his younger years he played American Legion baseball and was a diehard fan of both the Cleveland Indians and Browns teams. Also during his younger years, he was quite a dancer and frequented many square dances.He was excellent with figures, hence his lengthy career as a tax preparer, he enjoyed reading and started nearly every day with a crossword puzzle.Gary is survived by his wife, Catherine (Snyder) Hawkins Farnsworth whom he married October 25, 2003; his children, Cheryl Farnsworth of San Jose, California, Ellen (Robert) Gifford of Minnesota, Gary (June) Farnsworth of Ft. Myers Beach, Florida and , Samuel (Tammy) Farnsworth of Barton, Ohio; five grandchildren, Anthony, Heather, Kevin, Marissa and Samuel Jr. and a great grandson, Connor.Completing the family are five step daughters, Cathy Ann (Michael) Eickleberry of Hopedale, Ohio, Patricia (Ken) Cline of Bloomingdale, Ohio, Sarah (Larry) Orr of New Philadelphia, Carolyn (Larry Dean) Johnson of New Athens, Ohio and Judy Lucas of Canton; 13 step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.Gary was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Pauline Stanick and Jean Griffith; a step daughter, Rebecca Hawkins-Chancey and a step grandson, Michael EickleberryThe family will receive friends on Friday, July 16, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover and again one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 2 p.m. in Saturday, July 17, 2010 in the funeral home with Pastor Bob Jones officiating. In keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation will follow the services and inurnment will be held at a later date in Olive Branch Cemetery at Harrisville, Ohio.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Contributions may be made in Gary’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622 or to Church of the Living God, 1440 5th Street NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.