Gary Dean Shappell

Gary Dean Shappell age 76, of Elida passed away 7:43 a.m., Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Lima Memorial Health System.  He was born September 30, 1946 in Lima to the late Adrian E. and Kathryn Lenore (Guthrie) Shappell.  On December 27, 1996 he married Diana Shinaberry who preceded him in death March 22, 2014.

Dean graduated from Shawnee High School in 1964.  He served in the U. S. Army during Vietnam.  Dean had been a field engineer for United Telephone Company.  He enjoyed the world of Outlaw Racing and NASCAR, especially Dave and Ryan Blaney.  He was a cat lover, caring for Spanky and Frisky.

Survivors include a sister:  Anita Kay Shappell of Cridersville, stepdaughter Shelly (Matt) Elling of Spencerville and their children:  Cade and Leah Elling, a niece Mindy (David) Morelli of Hilliard, OH, nephew Michael E. (Amy) Shappell of Lisbon, Portugal; Diana’s children David (Sirima) Curtis, Melissa (Dennis) Wojciechowski and Daniel ‘Joey’ Young all of Texas.

He was preceded in death by an infant son:  Michael Dean Shappell and a brother Terry Shappell.

The family will receive friends 9 to 10: 30 a.m. Saturday, July 1 at Bayliff &Son Funeral Home, Cridersville with Rev. Rick Lamb officiating the funeral service at 10:30.  Burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery near Cridersville.  In Lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Allen County ASPCA or Deb’s Dogs.

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