Gerald Ray Vare

Mr. Gerald R. (Gary) Vare passed away August 31, 2023 at the age of 91. Gary was born August 2, 1932 to Raymond and Reba Vare in Connersville, IN. Gary had two sisters and on brother. Gary was predeceased by both parents, his older sister (Virtue Childs) and his older brother (Bob Vare). His younger sister (Sara McDonald) lives in New Palestine, IN.

Gary grew up in Connersville, IN. He began playing the piano in the 4th grade and continued studying piano through his sophomore year in college. In high school, Gary played trumpet in the marching band, sang in the choir, and cheered for the Connersville Spartans. Graduating near the top of his class, Gary received a full Edward Rector Scholarship to DePauw University.

At DePauw, Gary continued studying music and sang in the DePauw concert choir. He loved traveling across the country giving concerts, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Gary graduated from DePauw with a double major in Mathematics and Economics. Upon graduation, Gary joined General Electric Company in Syracuse, NY. After one year with GE, Gary was drafted into the United States Army.

Gary served his first year in the states and his second year in Hiyoshi, Japan at the 40th AAA Brigade Headquarters. He loved Japan, the Japanese people, and his job where he could look out of his office window each day and see Mt. Fuji. A favorite memory was skiing in the Japanese Alps with a wonderful Japanese family.

Upon discharge, Gary returned to General Electric in Louisville, KY. After one year, he chose to go back to school to earn his MBA degree. It was at Indiana University where Gary met Janet, who was working on her Masters Degree in nursing education. Gary and Janet became close friends and upon graduation, each moved to Indianapolis where Janet began teaching in various nursing schools and Gary joined Eli Lilly and Company. Six year later, they married on November 16th, 1963.

Gary and Janet have three children, Todd (Heather), Amy (Greg Ganster), and Mark (Nikki Hufford). They also have 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Gary retired from Eli Lilly after 33 wonderful years. Upon retirement he began teaching college algebra in various Indianapolis universities while Jan continued teaching hospital nursing education.

One of Gary's last prayers was "Father, please protect and keep close to You my wonderful wife, Janet, our three wonderful children, and all of our wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also, protect and keep close to You all our wonderful neighbors and friends over the years, and all those at East 91st St. Christian Church and St. Luke's United Methodist Church. I pray this to You, Jesus, with all my heart. Amen."

Gary’s Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 7th at the Cottage at Balmoral House, 10101 Hamilton Hills Lane, Fishers, IN 46038.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where Gary was a member. 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leppertmortuarycarmel.com for the Vare family.