Gary Southard
RIXFORD — Gary L. “Hooter” Southard, 82, a lifelong resident of Prentisvale, passed away on Monday (Jan. 17, 2022) at the Olean (N.Y.) General Hospital.
Born on June 25, 1939, he was the son of Lewis and Catherine Baker Southard. On July 5, 1968, he married Sharon Hillyard, who survives.
Gary was a 1957 graduate of Otto High and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served during the Vietnam Era. He was previously employed by Cooper Industries in Olean before retiring.
He was a life member of the American Legion Post #887 of Eldred and the Duke Center Lodge #555 F&AM. Gary loved fishing and hunting and was a very active member of the community.
Surviving including his wife Sharon is one son, Craig (Kim) Southard of Olean, N.Y.; one daughter, Amy (Steve) Wolfe of Prentisvale; two brothers, David (Bobbea) Southard of Eldred, and Dale Southard of Eldred; one sister, Ella Mae Oliver of Prentisvale; 11 grandchildren, Jeremy Wolfe, Nancy Wolfe, Rhett Taylor, Shawna (Garret) Black, Ashlyn Southard, Taft Taylor, Emily Wolfe, Hunter Southard, Ethan Wolfe, Brinee Torrey, Brayden Southard; ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were one brother, Bob Southard and one sister, Carolyn Spencer.
Visitation will be held on Saturday (Jan. 22, 2022) from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday (Jan. 23, 2022) from 1 to 3 p.m. with a funeral service to immediately follow with the Rev. Rick Price officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park, Lafayette.
The Duke Center Lodge #555 F& AM will hold services at the funeral home on Saturday evening at 7:45 p.m. Full Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post # 887 of Eldred, Honor Guard following the funeral services on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post # 887 of Eldred or to the Duke Center Lodge # 555 F & AM Scholarship Fund.
Online condolences may be made at www.Framefuneralhome.com
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