Gary Allen Switzer

Gary Switzer, 79, of West Terre Haute, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, May 31, 2025

He was born January 3, 1946 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Erman A. (Al) Switzer and Virginia M. Switzer.

Gary was a carpenter by trade and member of Carpenters Local #133 for 43 years before retiring in 2006. He was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends on the golf course.

Gary was also a member of various organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the West Terre Haute Masonic Lodge #687, joining in 1976. He was a past member and served as trustee for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aeries 291. Additionally, he was past president and member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6574. Gary also contributed to his local community by serving as past president of the West Vigo Community Center as well as participating as a member of a local organization that provides for families in need.

He was preceded in death by the light of his life, his beloved wife of 57 years, JoAnn; his father, Erman A. (Al) Switzer; mother, Virginia M. Switzer; sister Judy (Switzer) Bishop; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Robert and Wilma Jo Woolley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wanda and Jack Fox; brother-in-law, Wesley Woolley; brother-in-law Ronald Simpson; and sister-in-law, Barbara Simpson.

Gary is survived by his 6 children, Christi (Russell) Deal, Carrie (Kim) Kesler, Gary (Faith) Switzer, Douglas (Missy) Switzer, Michelle (Don) Blair and Andrew (Darla) Switzer; his grandchildren, Allen Deal, Adam (Chelsea) Deal, Austin (Tabatha) Deal, Courtney (Zach) Bickett, Sarah Switzer, Stephen Switzer, Seth Switzer, Skylar Switzer, Guy Switzer, Brody Myers, Abigail Switzer, Brenda Switzer, Russell Cox, Dale Cox, Kaleb (Jorden) Blair, Alec (Kaitlin) Blair, Alyssa (Vahn) Billberry, Erik Switzer, Andrea Switzer, Kiale (Morgan) Ellis, Karissa (Cody) Markland, Billy (Christina) McKeehan, Brandon (Amber) McKeehan and Anna McKeehan; and his 23 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings; Dianna (David) Withem, Sandy Judy, Barbara (Wayne) Ray, Kathy Corey and Allison (Ricky) Tate; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; James Simpson, Joyce Simpson, Maggie (John) Braden, Bob (Cheri) Woolley, Debbie (Joe) Williams and Greg (Pam) Woolley; and many nieces and nephews as well as many special friends.

Services will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 5th at West Side Christian Church located at 126 N 8th Street, West Terre Haute, Indiana with visitation from 3pm until service time. Pastor Chris Wilbur will be officiating. Masonic Rites will be performed by West Terre Haute Masonic Lodge #687 F&AM at 6:30 pm with services to follow. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been chosen. Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd Street, West Terre Haute, Indiana 47885 was entrusted with care and arrangements. Gary’s family welcomes memorial contributions to the West Side Christian Church, in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made to: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com.