Gary L. Grimm, 70, of Columbiana, Ohio died Wednesday, July 3 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 29, 1953 in Johnstown, NC, son of the late Homer and Mary Esther (Bohannon) Grimm.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, his two sons Gerard (Chelsea) and Stephen (Jessica) and his sister Pamela (Darin) Morris of Villa Ridge, IL. He is also survived by the light of his life, his grandsons Gibson and Sullivan Grimm and granddaughter Scarlett DeMarco; niece Kacey (Colt) Garrett and nephew Jared Morris, two great nieces Charli and Kori Garrett.

Gary was the family anchor, handyman, carpenter, auto mechanic, trip planner, landscaper and voice of reason, all qualities he learned from his parents and was eager to hand down to his children. He lived a life of service to those closest to him, as well as anyone he felt he could offer a helping hand to. Any conversation you had with Gary would inevitably lead to one of two things: how can he offer you help and/or to boast about his family that he was very proud of. He was happiest with a car full of family on a vacation trip or working with his sons on some household project. He would never turn down either opportunity.

Retiring after 29 distinguished years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons he then served as Warden at the Columbiana County Jail. Eventually, Gary turned to teaching as an instructor in the corrections academies at Kent State and Cuyahoga Community College. It was at Tri C where he became Commander of the corrections officer training. Even in his final weeks while battling his illness, Gary's commitment to correctional work saw him still teaching to ensure that a new class of officers could enter the field without delay.

Gary followed in the footsteps of his mother and father with his work in the Nazarene Church. A lifelong member of the Nazarene Church, he served God and his church family in many ways but his true passion was missions. This passion was inspired by his grandmother who served as a missionary in India. Those who wish to continue Gary's legacy can contribute to Nazarene Missions by going to nazarene.org/missions and click "Give Now".

Visitation will be Saturday, August 3rd from 1 to 3 pm at the Gate Church in the Old School Marketplace in North Lima, Ohio. Following visitation will be a celebration of life at 3 pm at the Gate Church with services to be conducted by Pastor Ry Torhan.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

Nazarene Missions
Web: http://www.nazarene.org/missions