Wellsville - Gary L. Havens, age 65, passed away on Sunday March 27, 2016 in his home on the upper Reddy Road. He was born in Wellsville on November 14, 1950 to Arthur L. and Betty L. Halsey Havens who both survive. On April 8, 1972 at the Christian Temple Church he married Darla J. Coats who survives him.
Gary is a lifelong resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1969. In July of 1970 Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam from January 1971 to January of 1972. In May of 1975 he graduated from Alfred State Vocational School, Electrical Trades. Gary’s employment record started early and was varied. Starting with paper delivery and farm work, he progressed to stock clerk and carry out boy for the former Market Basket, later a gas station attendant and for a time he delivered flowers for Kerton’s Florist. He started work as a machinist at C & G Wheelpuller and then worked at Air Preheater as a machinist and in the Maintenance Department, and later at the West Valley Nuclear Demonstration Project. Gary’s final job was as an Electrical Trades instructor at the Belmont Vocational and Technical School for 25 years, which he loved. Gary’s first love was being with family. He was extremely proud of his sons and grandchildren, and enjoyed spending time with them and working alongside of them. His second love was being outside enjoying nature. His hobbies included researching Duke Hose Company and Wellsville Fire Department history, announcing baseball for the Wellsville Lions and for a time the Wellsville Nitros, running the clock during Wellsville Lions Football games, spotting for the Alfred State Pioneers football, watching the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabers and baseball.
He was a member of the Duke Hose Company where he has served as treasurer, the Wellsville Alumni Association where he was a past president, The American Legion Post # 702 and the V.F.W. post 2530 both of Wellsville.
Survivors include his wife Darla, his parents Arthur and Betty Havens; 2 sons Andrew L. (Nikki) Havens and Anthony “Tony” L. (Kelly) Havens all of Wellsville; 2 sisters, Glenn L. (Jeff) Olsen of New Haven, IN. and Genene L. (Wayde) Wolbach of Virginia Beach, VA.; 3 grandchildren, Destinee D. Power of Florida, Killian R. Groom and Gary L. Havens both of Wellsville; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gary was predeceased by a granddaughter, Andee Elaine Havens on October 6, 2015.
Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 31, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and on Friday, April 1, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:30 pm in the Funeral Home followed by a veteran’s service. Memorials may be made to the Grant Duke Hose Company #1, 80 Stevens Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
Gary and I served with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company (Blue Star) in Vietnam, although at different times. It's a sad day when any Blue Star passes on. As long as he remains in our hearts he will not be gone. Rest in peace, brother.
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