Gary Lavon Gay, 71, Columbia City, died Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at his home.

He was born Oct. 7, 1944 in Warsaw, a son of Dale L. and Orpha (Watson) Gay. His formative years were spent in Columbia City. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1963.

For 32 years he worked as a machinist with Dana Corporation, Fort Wayne. Following his retirement from Dana, he started a construction company; KG Structures, building houses in the area. He also served as a part-time building inspector. He finished his work career in the security department at SDI, Columbia City.

On Feb. 5, 1995, he married Nancy Katherine Daniel. They have always made their home in Columbia City.

Gary enjoyed traveling throughout the United States with his favorite destinations being the National Parks. After his retirement, he loved to meet regularly with his friends at local restaurants. A Rock-n-Roll fan, he was often found listening to his favorite artist. He also enjoyed theater productions and would attend them with his wife, whenever a new show was in the area.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Katherine Huston; his mother, Orpha Gay, Columbia City; a brother, Dennis (Debbie) Gay, Columbia City and a sister, Trudy (Louis) Mosley, Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Gay and his father, Dale L. Gay.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 24, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the service time Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at the Greenhill Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Passages, Inc., Columbia City.