Gary Dean Light

Cancer robbed the world of a genuine and loyal family man on Thursday, October 29th, 2020 when Gary Dean Light died at the young age of 55. Gary’s courageous 29-day battle with esophageal cancer came to an end at 12:45 am, while in the comfort of his home and surrounded by three of the four most important people in his life. Gary was born on November 7, 1964, in Danville, Indiana and was raised by his maternal grandparents, Albert and Julia Dewar. His early years were spent looking after his younger brother, Bobby, and playing on the small family farm on State Road 42, where they relocated after Gary’s 2nd grade in Camby, Indiana. No stranger to hard work coupled with strict, yet traditional morals and values, Gary established a strong work ethic and enviable value of the ole’ mighty dollar at a young age. As a young boy, he rode his bike to pick apples at Anderson Orchard and worked on Edward Key’s Farm all while maintaining his household and farm chores. As the years passed, he worked various part time jobs while maintaining his academics. Graduating midterm with the class of 1983 from Monrovia High School, Gary gained employment with Valcom Inc., working on communication towers all over the U.S.; his previous employments include Ellis Construction, Paul E. Smith, where he became a licensed Journeyman Plumber before branching out on his own. In addition, he subcontracted with different builders and was the owner of Advanced Quality Plumbing and co-owned The Clean Team with his wife, Shawntel. After nearly 20 years in maintenance, Gary took early retirement from Universal Flavors, later known as Sensient Technologies in Indianapolis and was about to spend quality time caring for his granddaughter and watching her grow. In 2016, Gary and his wife joined their daughter in the family business at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, where he has been a right hand man, staple, Jack of all trades and familiar face on the front door. Gary’s ‘real life’ began the summer after graduation when he was introduced by a friend to a gal who would become his lifelong soulmate, best friend, partner, and mother of his children, Shawntel Olleman. After a two-year courtship, the two jetted off to Las Vegas and were married on December 14, 1984. Their marriage of nearly 36 years was a true love story! Gary adored his wife and his two daughters, and was smitten with his only granddaughter, Olivia June. With Family being his EVERYTHING, he led by example with a calm demeanor, tireless work ethic and pure heart. He was dependable, loyal, dedicated, loving, funny, witty, talented, meticulous, thorough and independent…known by his nieces and nephews as “the favorite or fun-uncle who had a giant laugh and hands strong enough to bend steel.” Spending time working around the yard and home with his family, it was the good times shared with friends while shooting, camping, traveling, boating, mushroom hunting, cookouts, holidays, or simply walking in the woods with his girls and his Pitbull were inevitably Gary’s favorite pastimes. He also absolutely loved the outdoors and was a true bird fanatic, as well as a music enthusiast; he loved to crank the music loud and even opened his basement for the band, Mad Ethel during the 1990’s. Gary was a man of his word, a man of ethic, and a man of morals and faith. Loved and admired by many, Gary will be fondly remembered for his legacy and leaving the world a better place! His passing has left a void in the hearts of so many including his wife, Shawntel Suzanne Light of Monrovia; daughters, Savanah Starr Light and Desirae Dawn (husband, Stuart) Watson both of Monrovia; the apple of his eye, granddaughter Olivia June Watson; brother, Robert “Bobby” Green of Indianapolis; in-laws, Eddie Olleman (wife, Dianne) and Debbie Williams (husband, Mike) both of Monrovia; along with several cherished nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, classmates and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Albert and Julia Dewar; paternal grandparents, John and Myrtle Johnson; biological father, Gary Dennis Light and mother, Brenda Faye (Dewar) Purvis; niece, Morgan Ashley Green and a beloved cousin, Elaine Sampson and Jeff Sampson; pit-bull companions, Rebel, Shadow and Cleatus. Friends and family are invited to gather for calling on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, November 6th, 2020 beginning at 3:00 pm at the funeral chapel and burial will follow in West Union Cemetery. Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate the services. Online condolences, treasured memories, and pictures may be shared and uploaded on the funeral home website at www.lightmemorial.com

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Gary Dean Light

November 7, 1964 - October 29, 2020