Gary Lee Shotwell

Gary Lee Shotwell, age 65, of New Philadelphia, died Friday, December 18, 2020, while in the care of Community Hospice’s Truman House at New Philadelphia.

Born in the former Twin City Hospital at Dennison on September 20, 1955, Gary was a son of the late Hoyt Duane Shotwell and Phyllis Zimmerly Griesen.

He attended New Philadelphia High School and entered into the United States Navy where he completed SEAL training. Upon his discharge, he began a lifelong career as a Carpenter, working both as a Union laborer and a private contractor.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, participating in tournaments, camping, hunting, and mushroom hunting, mowing, collecting firearms, shooting pool, and traveling, especially to Cozumel.

He is survived by two children, Verna (Chris) Kauffman of Orrville, Ohio and Gary Schaar of Wilmot, Ohio; his fiancée and companion of the past 12 years, Barb Sutton of the home; his step-father, Jerry Griesen of Stone Creek; a sister, Sherry (Dan) Fechuch of Newcomerstown, a half-brother, Duane (Ashley) Shotwell of North Carolina, and his grandchildren, Preston and Alexis Kauffman. Completing the family are numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his father and mother, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Lonnie Shotwell.

The family will greet guests on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, from Noon – 2 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a service celebrating Gary’s life will be led by Pastor Joe Svancara in the funeral home’s chapel at 2 PM. Burial will follow in the Stone Creek Cemetery.

All guests are required to wear a mask to enter the funeral home. For the safety of everyone, and to allow other guests to pay their respects, we politely ask that visitors not staying for the service promptly exit the building after greeting the family.

Memorial contributions in Gary’s name may be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.