Whidden, Gary E.
By Canton CitizenGary E. Whidden was born on April 13, 1946, and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard & Helen Whidden, and brother, Mark V. Whidden. He is survived by his daughter, Paula Flaherty; sister, Sandi Leone; nephew, Jonathan Leone; niece, Melissa Baker (husband Paul); and great nephews Paul and Jeffery. “Uncle Gary” as he was fondly called by Leonora, Chris, Lori and Diane, will surely be missed by many.
Gary enlisted in the Navy when he was 18 and it was there that he developed his love for traveling. He studied electronics while in the service and later pursued his career as an electrician. Gary was also a landscape photographer for many years, enjoying his many trips along the New England coastline.
Gary put up with the cold weather of Massachusetts until 2007, when he finally made the move to San Antonio, Texas, where his sister has lived for 30 years. One of his happiest times is when he started attending Community Bible Church and was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. In addition to attending church to listen to Pastor Robert Emmitt on Saturday evenings, Gary attended the 12 step program on Monday evenings. Gary was a recovered alcoholic who was to celebrate his 10th year of sobriety.
Everyone who knew Gary knows that he made friends everywhere he went. He always had a smile and a good word. He loved his country and enjoyed collecting his patriotic caps and cap pins that honor the GIs in Vietnam. This was close to his heart.
“Gary was truly one of the good guys!”
On Wednesday, July 3, at 9:30 a.m., there will be a prayer service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The family is inviting all family and friends to join them at a reception to honor Gary’s life. It will be immediately following the service at Ft. Sam Houston and will be at Sugar Hill Apartments Club House, located at 8303 Greatview Dr., San Antonio, TX 78230.
There will be a church service for Gary at the First Baptist Church of North Attleborough, 75 Park Street, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. Everyone is invited to come to the home of Paula Flaherty at 40 Church Street in North Attleboro after the service.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=21229
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Jun 25 2013. Filed under Obituaries.
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