Obituary of Gary Edward Earp

Gary Edward Earp, 71, of Fairmont, WV, passed away Saturday afternoon, 8-13-2016, in the Tygart Center in Fairmont, WV. He was born June 27, 1945 in Fairmont, WV, son of the late Fogle F. and Hettie C. Earp. Gary was a 1963 graduate of Fairmont Senior High School and a 1968 graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He served in the United States Army from 1968 through 1974, and was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star for his service in the Vietnam War. Gary owned and operated G. E. Earp Construction, Inc. until 1987, when he transitioned to become the director of the business division of a computer retail company. In 1991, Gary became an independent insurance agent, and was Senior Partner at Health Insurances Choices upon his retirement in 2016. Gary was active in civic organizations in the Fairmont community. He served several offices, eventually becoming president of the South Fairmont Rotary Club, and later transferred to the Fairmont Rotary Club. He was a former president of Grace Lutheran Church Congregational Council, and a leader in the Pi Kappa Alpha local alumni association. At the time of his death, Gary was a member of Life United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. Gary was very dedicated to his family. He enjoyed traveling and riding bicycles with his wife, Bonnie and visiting his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his steadfast love and support of his family and friends, incredible sense of humor, gentle smile, zest for capturing memories, and love of being outdoors. Gary is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Snyder Earp of Fairmont, WV, their daughters and sons-in-law; Laurie and Gregory Singer of Barboursville, VA and Kerry and Thomas Riddle of Springfield, VA, two grandsons, Caden and Brennan Singer of Barboursville, VA, and two sisters and brothers-in-law; Sandra and Larry Pope of Franklin, WV and Sally and Gary Niezgoda of Fairmont, WV. He was preceded in death by his brother, James F. Earp. Family and friends will be greeted at Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV from 4pm until 8pm on Wednesday, 8-24-2016 and 11am until 1pm on Thursday. In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held Thursday, 8-25-2016, at 1pm, with Pastor Larry Buckland officiating. Interment will follow in the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, WV. Full military services will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans at the graveside. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Melanoma International Foundation, 250 Mapleflower Rd., Glenmoore, PA, 19343. On line condolences may be made to www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.