Gary Carder

Gary Carder

Saginaw, Michigan

Gary was born on August 28, 1947, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the son of the late George and Daisey (Plauger) Carder. He passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 29, 2025 in Saginaw. He was a longtime member of First Church of God in Saginaw. Gary moved into River Ridge Residential Community in Freeland, Michigan, in 1993, and settled right in. He lived a good long life, always with a smile, with a friendly nod and hello. His passions included anything Western: movies, clothes, magazines, history, wars, and books. Gary was a voracious reader, having at least 10-12 books on his nightstand daily. He wouldn’t admit it, but his celebrity crushes were Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. Gary could belt the words to “You Ain’t Woman Enough” (to take my man) like no other. He collected comic books, coins, as well as matchbox cars. Gary also enjoyed going to the library, Barnes and Noble, the local church, and Tony’s restaurant. He never left the house without his boonie or cowboy hat and bolo tie. Over the years, Gary acquired many nicknames including: “Garbear”, “Grandpa Gary”, “Bear Wrestler”, and the one that brought out the best in him by his residential mgr. was “Gary Goat”. He wasn’t a fan of goats, but she took him to Apple Acres Farm every summer to visit his friends. He eventually warmed up. We will always remember his kindness, sweet personality and his famous one-liners: “I don’t think so lady” or “damn it to hell,” when he couldn’t get his TV to work, and “thank you, but “no, thank you”. Thank you to the team at River Ridge for providing love, support and a wonderful quality of life to Gary all these years. He will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Shirley J. Carder and his beloved dog Gretchen.

Funeral service for Gary will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday July 9, 2025, at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. David VanNorman will officiate, with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com