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Gary L. Havens (1950 - 2016)

Obituary

 

Gary Havens

WELLSVILLE - Gary L. Havens, 65, passed away Sunday (March 27, 2016) in his home on Reddy Road. 

He was born Nov. 14, 1950, in Wellsville 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 was a lifelong resident of Wellsville, who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1969. In July 1970, Gary enlisted in the U.S. 
Army, serving in Vietnam from January 1971 to January 1972. In May 1975, he graduated from Alfred State Vocational School, specializing in 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 he was a gas station attendant and for a time 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. He later worked at the West Valley 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 Co. 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 Alfred State Pioneers football; and watching the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres and baseball.

He was a member of the Duke Hose Co., where he had served as treasurer; the Wellsville Alumni Association, where he was a past president; Wellsville American Legion Post 702; and Wellsville VFW Post 2530.

Survivors include his wife, Darla of Wellsville; his parents, Arthur and Betty Havens of Wellsville; two sons, Andrew L. (Nikki) Havens and Anthony "Tony" L. (Kelly) Havens, both of Wellsville; two sisters, Glenn L. (Jeff) Olsen of New Haven, Ind., and Genene L. (Wayde) Wolbach of Virginia Beach, Va.; three grandchildren, Destinee D. Power of Florida, and Killian R. Groom and Gary L. Havens, both of Wellsville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was predeceased by a granddaughter, Andee Elaine Havens, on Oct. 6, 2015.

Friends are invited to call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Friday (April 1, 2016) 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 p.m. Friday in the funeral home, followed by a veteran's service. 

Memorials may be made to the Grant Duke Hose Co. No. 1, 80 Stevens St., Wellsville, NY. 14895. To leave online condolences, visit 
www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Olean Times Herald on Mar. 29, 2016