Obituary for Gary G. Middaugh
Gary Gene Middaugh, 74, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2022 at Stillwater Hospice due to sudden illness. Gary was born June 29, 1948 at St. Joe Hospital of Fort Wayne to the late Albert and Ruth Middaugh.
Gary was a proud graduate of the 1967 class at the Indiana School for the Deaf and relished his native “ISL” Indiana Sign Language. He embraced life with a positive attitude and enjoyed the smaller things that most of us take for granted. His smile lit up a room and his laughter was distinctive.
He was an avid, lifelong hunter, fisherman and all around outdoorsman. He was involved in many outdoors related clubs and organizations. He enjoyed spending time with Prairie Heights ASL students at the Kendallville Deaf Coffee Chat. He mentored those who shared his interest in hunting and fishing. He tried to advocate for what was right and was not afraid to say what he thought. His spirit, ornery, humorous, and full of love, will live on through the many people who had the chance to cross paths with him. And, last but not least, he believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Melani Middaugh of Fort Wayne; a sister, E. Ann Phovemire of Fort Wayne and his sister-in-law, Patricia Middaugh of Columbia City. He deeply loved each one of his several nieces and nephews. Also, his ISD family and the Indiana Deaf community. He is survived by that those that adopted him as one of his own, the J. Foreman family, the A. Stewart family and the J. Campbell family and his honorary grandson and friend, Drew Bishop. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all healthcare workers and ASL interpreters who diligently provided service through the years. Thank you to the late Gary Verona and his wife, Donna as well as Gary Thomas and Linda Pennell for watching over Gary. He was preceded in death by his brother Edwin Jay Middaugh. And, by his dogs, Lady Cotton, Bold Blackie, Bold Bud, Rough Bandit, Stormy Bud, Eddie Jr., Tubby, Miss Doe and Bo. Per Gary’s wishes, he wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps and be cremated just like him.
Services will be held 4:00 pm Saturday, December 3, 2022 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. with calling two hours prior beginning at 2:00 pm and Pastor Donna Holcomb of Helmer United Methodist Church will be officiating.
Memorials can be made to Three Rivers Fly Fishers, Camp Alexander Mack or DeafLink.
Gary was a proud graduate of the 1967 class at the Indiana School for the Deaf and relished his native “ISL” Indiana Sign Language. He embraced life with a positive attitude and enjoyed the smaller things that most of us take for granted. His smile lit up a room and his laughter was distinctive.
He was an avid, lifelong hunter, fisherman and all around outdoorsman. He was involved in many outdoors related clubs and organizations. He enjoyed spending time with Prairie Heights ASL students at the Kendallville Deaf Coffee Chat. He mentored those who shared his interest in hunting and fishing. He tried to advocate for what was right and was not afraid to say what he thought. His spirit, ornery, humorous, and full of love, will live on through the many people who had the chance to cross paths with him. And, last but not least, he believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Melani Middaugh of Fort Wayne; a sister, E. Ann Phovemire of Fort Wayne and his sister-in-law, Patricia Middaugh of Columbia City. He deeply loved each one of his several nieces and nephews. Also, his ISD family and the Indiana Deaf community. He is survived by that those that adopted him as one of his own, the J. Foreman family, the A. Stewart family and the J. Campbell family and his honorary grandson and friend, Drew Bishop. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all healthcare workers and ASL interpreters who diligently provided service through the years. Thank you to the late Gary Verona and his wife, Donna as well as Gary Thomas and Linda Pennell for watching over Gary. He was preceded in death by his brother Edwin Jay Middaugh. And, by his dogs, Lady Cotton, Bold Blackie, Bold Bud, Rough Bandit, Stormy Bud, Eddie Jr., Tubby, Miss Doe and Bo. Per Gary’s wishes, he wanted to follow in his brother’s footsteps and be cremated just like him.
Services will be held 4:00 pm Saturday, December 3, 2022 at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. with calling two hours prior beginning at 2:00 pm and Pastor Donna Holcomb of Helmer United Methodist Church will be officiating.
Memorials can be made to Three Rivers Fly Fishers, Camp Alexander Mack or DeafLink.