Gary Clark Congrove

Gary Clark Congrove, age 77, passed away on January 6, 2015 at Holzer Hospital in Jackson, Ohio. Gary was born to Katherine (Katie) Clark in Wellston, Ohio on April 8, 1937.

Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joanna Howe Congrove; his daughter, Lori (Tom) Kipfer of Powell; his son, Doug (Katie) Congrove of Westerville; three grandsons, Max and Jackson Congrove and Tommy Kipfer; sister-in-law, Joyce (Tom) Slater of Newark; brother-in-law, Harold (Kay) Howe of Jackson; two nieces, Beth and Gracie Howe, and nephew, Brad (Lauren) Howe; and great-nephew, Ethan Howe.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Clark and mother-in-law, Virginia Howe.

Gary was a graduate of Wellston High School, Portsmouth Business College and attended Ohio University. Gary worked as an accountant for the Mead Paper Corporation for 30 years. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years.

Gary was a devoted family man, a loving father, and proud grandfather to his three grandsons. He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church and directed the music for 52 years. His family and friends will always remember how he loved music and sang in the Calvary Quartet and then the Calvary Trio for many years. He loved serving God thru his church and was a man of upstanding character, and much respected in the community. He contributed to the church in many capacities. He was Administrative Council Chairman, Pastor Parish Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, Finance Chairman, Financial Secretary, and a member of the Choir. 

He had a special bond with his mother-in-law, Ginny Howe and they shared their love of God and family. Gary was an only child so Joanna’s family became his. He also had a very close relationship with his Clark cousins. The Gallagher family from Wellston was very much a part of his upbringing and loved him like a son. Gary had a signature smile, a gentle spirit and was always happy. This was a result of the positive influence of many people involved in his life and his great faith.

Friends may call at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home Friday, January 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Calvary United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 10 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairmont Cemetery in Jackson with Dr. James Burge and Rev. Terry Cavanaugh officiating. A reception in the Fellowship Hall at Calvary United Methodist Church will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Holzer Hospice Care, 100 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio, 45631 or Calvary United Methodist Church, 483 Chillicothe Street, Jackson 45640.