Gary Craig Stockslager, age 79, of Ludlow Falls, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026.  He was born on February 8, 1947, in Troy, Ohio, to the late Paul Eugene and Ada Mildred (Nebus) Stockslager. Gary graduated from Newton High School with the Class of 1965 and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and responsibility throughout his life. He later retired from General Motors after 30 years of dedicated service. Those who knew him best will remember that he approached every task with a practical mind and a willing heart, and he was known as a man who could be counted on whenever something needed fixed, built, or improved. Gary was an avid trapshooter and found great enjoyment in the sport and the friendships that came with it. He was also a mentor to other trapshooters, gladly sharing his knowledge, encouragement, and experience with those who were learning. In addition to his time at the range, he enjoyed woodworking and took pride in working with his hands. He was a member of the NRA and Pleasant Hill Fish & Game, and he valued the fellowship and shared interests that came through those associations. He was always helping family and friends with projects around the house, and his dependable nature made him the person others turned to when they needed assistance. He was truly handy, loving, and thoughtful, and those qualities were evident in the way he lived each day. Above all else, Gary was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife and his “buddy,” Connie Lee (Kirchner) Stockslager; his sons and daughters-in-law, Matthew and Valerie Stockslager of Troy and Chad and Kitty Stockslager of Troy; grandchildren Miranda, Jenna (Grant Willoughby), Abby, Brooke (fiance Nick Rizkallah), Kayla; his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Bruce Buroker of Troy; brother James Stockslager of West Warwick, Rhode Island; sister-in-law Carol Stockslager. He was preceded in death by his parents;  brother Kent Stockslager; sister-in-law Lee Stockslager. Gary will be remembered as the best husband and a wonderful father, as well as a loyal brother, friend, and neighbor. His life was marked by kindness, steady support, and a genuine desire to help others. The example he set through his actions, his work, and his love for his family will remain a lasting comfort to all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will  be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, July 23, at Hale-Sarver Family Funeral Home, 284 N. Miami Street, West Milton, with interment following at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, July 22, at the funeral home.  If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Hill Church of the Brethren, 300 E. Monument Street, Pleasant Hill, Ohio 45359. Memories may be left for the family online at www.hale-sarver.com