Nov. 13, 1953 — Feb. 25, 2015

Gary Dale McGrew, 61, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, in his residence surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 13, 1953, in South Bend, Indiana to Wilson “Joe” and Jeane (Harvey) McGrew. He married Dianna Kay Stapleton July 28, 1977, in Cassopolis, Michigan. She and his mother survive. He was preceded in death by his father and one son, David McGrew.

Gary started out working as an Over the Road truck driver and later worked for the Cass County Road Commission, retiring in 1991. Gary pursued working for the Village of Cassopolis Police Department in 1985 as a Reserve Police Officer and later became the Police Department’s Law Enforcement Training, Firearms and Ordinance Instructor. He also served as Zoning Administrator Code Enforcement Officer for Porter Township of Van Buren County.

Gary obtained certifications through the Michigan State Police as a Police Firearms Instructor, Ohio Law Enforcement Advanced Training for Firearms Instructors, Oakland Community College Police Academy Pistol Instructor School, and National Rifle Association Police Firearms Instructor, Pistol Personal Protection Instructor, and Personal Protection in the Home Certified Pistol Instructor.

Gary was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Dianna (Stapleton) McGrew of Cassopolis; one daughter, Dana Jenkins of Cassopolis, three sons, Rich (Susan) McGrew of Cassopolis, Jeffrey (Cassie) McGrew of South Bend, Dan (Aleigha Stagg) McGrew of South Bend; 15 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren (with three more on the way); his mother, Jeane Martz of Cassopolis; one brother, Keith (Becky) McGrew of Cassopolis; a host of nieces and nephews; and one granddog, Maestro.

Family and friends will gather Friday, February 27, 2015 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, in First Baptist Church of Newberg (Poe), 13021 Born Street, Jones, with Pastor Mike Owen officiating. Mr. McGrew will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Sumnerville.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Gary’s name to the Cassopolis Police Department in care of the Village of Cassopolis, 117 South Broadway Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or, First Baptist Church of Newberg, 13021 Born Street, Jones, Michigan 49061.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.