Gary Janton Seckel

Gary Janton Seckel died peacefully at Brookdale Lakeview Crossing on Saturday, November 10, 2018. He was born on July 7, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio. He and his older brother were raised by their parents during the Depression. Hard work was part of the family culture, and Gary at a young age helped at the Seckel Five and Dime Store in Bexley. Gary graduated from Bexley High School in 1949 and then went to The Ohio State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in 1953 and later his Master's in Finance and Real Estate. During his time at The Ohio State University he joined Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity, serving one term as president, and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Gary met Saralee in 1952 and they married in 1953 in Columbus, Ohio just prior to him entering the United States Air Force, where he was a pilot and served as a Lieutenant for three years. After serving his country, Gary and Saralee moved back to Columbus where he entered the family real estate and appraisal business started by his father. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Theodore (Ted) and Elizabeth (Betty) Seckel, Sr., brother Theodore and Anne Seckel, Jr., daughter Sandra Lee, and granddaughter Kelsey Faith. Gary is survived by Saralee his beloved wife of 65 years and children G.J. (Donna, Fiancée), Stacie (Kevin Rawlings), and Kevin (Lauren). In addition, Gary is survived by his 9 grandchildren and known to them as "Big Papa": Brian Seckel, David Seckel, Kyle (Courtney) Rawlings, Allison Rawlings, Samantha Rawlings, Stephanie Rawlings, Cody Rawlings, Julia Seckel, and Kara Seckel. He is also survived by Catherine (Cathy) Seckel and extended family and friends. Gary had three core pillars Family and Friends, Religion and Profession. Gary felt he had the greatest family the Lord put together and loved watching them grow and celebrate life's milestones. He loved to spend time in the Amish Country with Saralee and in later years with the help of Stacie and Kevin Rawlings. In addition, he enjoyed the family's annual vacation at Lakeside, Ohio where he would sit on the porch reading and catching up with loved ones. Gary had a very close group of friends, who played tennis every Thursday morning for over 25 years. Religion played an important role in his life, where he was a member of the Bexley United Methodist Church for over 74 years. He was raised as a Mason in the Humbolt Lodge and later joined the shrine and became a 32 degree Mason. Gary worked as an appraiser for over 57 years focusing on commercial income properties. He was a member of the Appraisal Institute and received his designation as a MAI and served as president of the Ohio Chapter. Gary gave back to the appraisal profession by teaching courses through the Appraisal Institute and helped thousands of future appraisers to gain the knowledge to value residential and commercial property. In addition, Gary served as President of the Columbus Board of Realtors in 1981. We would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Lakeview Crossing and Mount Carmel Hospice for the care they provided Gary. There will be a Celebration of Life for family and friends Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Bexley United Methodist Church (2657 E. Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bexley United Methodist Church (2657 E. Broad Street, Bexley, Ohio 43209) or St. Jude Children's Hospital (P.O. Box 50, Memphis TN 38101-9929).