Gary Ely Obituary

Gary Duane Ely, age 71, passed away on July 7, 2025. Gary was born on June 9, 1954, in Kalamazoo, the son of Ronald and Barbara (Prater) Yingling. As the oldest of five siblings, he was raised alongside his younger siblings by his mother, Barbara, and adoptive father, Clarence Ely.

From a young age, it was evident that Gary was blessed with a deep understanding of physics and mechanics. He loved to take apart and rebuild things (he always had the fastest bicycles and motorcycles) and realized from an early age that it was his calling in life. Gary came of age and decided to serve his country in the United States Army where he spent time in Europe and various stations in the United States as a mechanic and even earned recognition as a sharpshooter. After his military service, Gary worked at various shops as an auto mechanic before getting hired into the City of Kalamazoo in the late 1980's. After various stints in different departments within the city, Gary found a more relaxed role and eventually retired as a facility maintenance worker for the City of Kalamazoo's Metro Transit department.

Gary always loved motorcycles and was an original member of the Old Iron Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed riding and fixing all sorts of bikes but his vintage Harley Davidson Sportster was more than a vehicle; it became his ultimate symbol of freedom and joy.

His love for motorcycles was paralleled only by his passion for his home where for years he kept horses, helped raise 4-h animals with his children, tended to his garden, and taught himself how to hunt deer. He especially loved his horses, including a Tennessee Walker named Earl, and his Mustangs. Trail riding with his family was a pastime that brought him immense joy and peace, and he would often go on horseback rides from dawn until dusk.

Gary's devotion to country living and homesteading with his family brought him deep satisfaction and became the cornerstone of his life. His hands, always busy, found peace by tilling the earth, plowing the snow, and cutting the grass on his "like new" 1939 Allis-Chalmers tractor. He even built his own tow-behind wagon for family hay rides or filling with sweet corn for the kids to sell by the road.

A true jack of all trades, Gary took pride in working with his hands. He passed on this passion and knowledge to his sons, with whom he shared many hours rebuilding classic muscle cars in their barn, and teaching them how to take care of their vehicles.

The classic car drive-ins at the Gilmore Car Museum, going out for a weekend breakfast, riding horses at Yankee Springs, or having a beer at the pub, were among Gary's favorite destinations in his local community. He loved to surround himself with family, friends, and the sound of laughter.

Above all, Gary Ely will be remembered as a loving father, and grandfather, who was always there when he was needed. His ever-calm demeanor coupled with the wisdom he imparted, has left an indelible mark on his family. His warm presence, contagious smile, encyclopedic knowledge, and his unconditional love will be deeply missed by all.

Gary is survived by his children, Tyler (Cassi) Ely, Nathan Ely, and Lydia (Martin) Krotz, grandchildren, Elijah, Wilson, Saylor, and Lucy, former spouse, Donna Ely, siblings, Cynthia Denz, Clarence (Shirley) Ely, Ellen (Timothy) Jeffries, Jim (Vanya) Ely, Catherine Yingling, and Cheryl Yingling, mother-in-law, Marilyn Nye, many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, adoptive father, Clarence Ely, father-in-law, Donald Nye, and brother-in-law, John.

Gary's family will receive friends on Friday, July 11, 2025, 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home where his funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Maplewood Cemetery. Memorial donations to Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, 8450 N 43rd St, Augusta, MI 49012 (https://www.cheffcenter.org/support) will be greatly appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence message for Gary's family.