Rev. Gary Wayne Ausbun, 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Fort Wayne.

Born in Hugoton, Kansas, on August 28, 1935, Gary was the son of the late James and Susie (Nicholes) Ausbun. He graduated from Hugoton High School, where he excelled in athletics, earning eleven varsity letters—three in football, four in basketball, and four in track.

Gary faithfully followed God's plan for his life, beginning his path to ministry at Anderson College (now Anderson University). While there, he earned eight more varsity letters—four in basketball and four in track, and was selected to travel with the missionary basketball team Venture for Victory in the summer of 1957. The team toured throughout the Orient, achieving an impressive 72-0 record. In 1958, Gary was named an NAIA All-American in basketball, and in 1998, he was inducted into the Anderson University Athletic Hall of Fame.

After earning his bachelors degree, Gary continued his education in the Seminary program at Anderson College, where he also met the love of his life, Stella "Frankie"McBrayer. They were married on June 18, 1958, in Rowan County, Kentucky, beginning a 66-year marriage built on faith, love, and deep devotion. Gary adored Frankie. He doted on her constantly, making sure everyone knew just how special she was to him. She was the heart of their home, and together they set a powerful example of love, commitment, and faith.

A Life of Ministry & Service

Gary dedicated his life to serving the Lord and pastored several churches, including:

•1959-1962 Elm Grove Christian Church, Anderson, IN

•1962-1965 Westside Church of God, Cape Girardeau, MO

•1966-1977 Westwood Church of God, Kalamazoo, MI

•1977-1987 First Church of God, Ashland, KY

•1987-1996 South Meridian Church of God, Anderson, IN

•1996-2000 First Church of God, Norfolk, VA

From 2000-2015, Gary also served as an interim pastor for several churches that were searching for new leadership, including:

•First Church of God, Ashland, KY

•Westwood Church of God, Flint, MI

•First Church of God, Goshen, IN

•First Church of God, Baroda, MI

•Eagle Ridge Church of God, Midland, MI

•First Church of God, Englewood, TN

•Grandview Church of God, Ashland, KY

•Red Line Church of God, Palco, KS

•Adamsville Road Church of God, Elkhart, IN

In his later years, Gary continued to serve by leading the Seniors Ministry at County Line Church of God in Auburn, IN, and regularly preaching at Hopes Landing Senior Community in Auburn, IN.

Gary had a deep heart for missions, always encouraging his churches to give generously and support those in need. He believed in spreading God's love through action, ensuring his congregations actively participated in serving their communities and beyond.

A Life Filled with Joy & Love

Beyond his ministry, Gary was a man full of life, laughter, and love. He had a passion for woodworking, crafting beautiful pieces with skill and patience. He enjoyed listening to gospel quartets and always wished he could sing bass. He was a natural competitor, playing on church softball, bowling, and basketball teams well into adulthood. Gary also loved playing games with family and friends, never missing an opportunity for fun and fellowship.

Gary had a gift for writing poetry, often crafting funny and heartfelt pieces tailored to special events and occasions. His poetry was clever, lighthearted, and deeply personal, bringing joy to those who heard it. He also wrote several books, compiling selections of his personal writings along with those of others who inspired him.

His simple joys were just as special. He loved Lays potato chips and Diet Coke, and according to his family, he was the best popcorn maker who ever lived.

A Loving Husband, Father & Grandfather

Above all, family meant everything to Gary. He was immensely proud of his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. Whether through heartfelt conversations or his famous storytelling, he made sure they knew just how loved they were.

Though he experienced great loss, especially with the passing of three of his four daughters, Gary never blamed God. Instead, he gave glory to the Lord for carrying him and his family through difficult times. His unwavering faith and trust in God's plan remained a testimony to all who knew him.

Family & Legacy

Gary is survived by his daughter, Dana (Rod) Baker; grandchildren, Joseph (Rachel) Green, Lindsey (Nick Christie) Green, Danielle (Darren) Coats, Matthew (Hailey) Fultz, Kat (Chris) Duggan, Meredith Fultz, Geoffrey (Courtney) Blackburn, Jared (Aisha Franceysca) Blackburn, Jordan (Chelsea) Blackburn, Justin (Lyndsay Malizia) Blackburn, Gary Thomas "GT" Baker, and Drew Baker; and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Jamie Chris Green, Connie Suzanne Fultz, and Mary Beth Blackburn; as well as his siblings, James H. Ausbun Jr., Verla Seeman, Harold Ausbun, Freda Gustafson, Shirley Kramer, and infant brother Robert Ausbun.

Service Details

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at County Line Church of God, 7716 N. County Line Road E, Auburn, IN, with calling one hour prior.

Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM and 6:00 PM-8:00 PM.

Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Morehead, KY, on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

•Warner Memorial Camp 60 55th Street, Grand Junction, MI 49056

•Four Seasons Christian Center  3169 Mud Lick Road, Salt Lick, KY 40371

FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.