Gary Allen Shaner, II

Today, we mourn the loss of a son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Although we are heartbroken that Gary's life ended abruptly on August 27, 2012, we want to take this time to celebrate the wonderful person he was and how much of an impact he had on us all. We also want to reflect on the amazing journey of Gary's life and how each and every one of us needs to hold on to and cherish these memories. He would want us to remember all of his accomplishments and most importantly his deeply rooted love for all of us. Love is such a small word but yields so much meaning in that it holds us together in a big way. It is okay to hurt, but we should take this time to look at the loving qualities he possessed as a human being. What he will always be to us all, our precious Gary.

Gary was born to Gary and Terri Shaner on September 24, 1983. He was raised in San Antonio, Texas as well as the Spring Branch/Bulverde, Texas area. He excelled in academics and sports and, despite a traumatic brain injury he sustained from a car accident at the age of 16, he defied all odds. Gary graduated from Smithson Valley High School on June 2, 2002 and went on to attend San Antonio College and Kaplan College where he received a degree with honors as a Medical Office Specialist on January 13, 2011. Gary managed to accomplish all of this while working full time. He strived each and every day to achieve every goal that he had. His aspirations were to work in the health field, helping others.

Growing up, Gary enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it was swimming, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing football and playing basketball. He was a very competitive young man who enjoyed winning. For countless hours, you could often find Gary shooting hoops in the evening with his dad who worked hard long hours all day but made time for his little man. He was blessed with the gift of words and wrote many poems and letters for his mom, Terri. He was also an amazing artist and found comfort in expressing his feelings through his artistry. His attention to detail is evident in the many works of art contained in his portfolio. Gary was raised in a family of love and a conviction for doing the right thing. He was brought up being reminded each and every day how much he was loved by his father Gary, mother Terri, sister Jill, and brother Clay.

Gary enjoyed the times that he was able to spend with both the Shaner and Buske family. He took pleasure in visiting with family and friends where he was able to relax and be himself. He found comfort in reading the Word of God, and was baptized at Concordia Lutheran Church at a young age. He recently had been attending CBC church in San Antonio where he enjoyed fellowship and worship.

It is difficult to think about living our lives without Gary being here with us. We will all try to hold on to every single precious memory we have of him and carry on the tradition of loving deeply like Gary did for us. Gary is survived by his father, Gary Shaner, Sr.; mother, Terri (Buske) Shaner; sister, Jill Shaner; brother, Clay Shaner; great-grandmother, Mildred Buske; grandparents Harvey and Jacqueline Shaner and Terry and Alice Buske; uncle, Harvey (Donna) Shaner; aunt, GayLynn Shaner; uncle, Steve (Cara) Tanner; cousins, Chase Shaner, Jordan Buske, Gage Tanner, Haley Tanner; and numerous extended family and close friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2012

4:00 P.M.

CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH

16801 HUEBNER ROAD