Gary Benton Fancher, 69, of Edgewood passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2022.

Gary was born on July 31, 1952, to the late Horace and Marie Fancher in Fort Worth. He was raised in Irving and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas. He married Mary Ann Townsend on Sept. 27, 1974. They lived together in Edgewood for 47 years.

Gary worked at Edgewood High School for three years and was a chemistry and physics teacher at Wills Point High School for 26 years. He retired in 2007. Gary had fond memories of his WPHS students and colleague, especially “The Lunch Bunch” who became lifelong friends. He ran his own business, the Sabine River Gun Shop, for 25 years and had many customers who became friends and weekly visitors. Gary enjoyed watching softball games, reading history books, and researching Red Ball Motor Freight, the company for which his father worked until retirement. Gary was of the Christian faith and considered his family to be his greatest blessing. One of his favorite activities with his grandkids was amazing them with science experiments.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bert Fancher; sister, Betty Miley, and brother-in-law, Vernon Miley.

Gary leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Ann Fancher of Edgewood; daughter, Alison Mabe and son-in-law, Keith of Royse City; son, Paul Fancher and daughter-in-law, Ashley of Edgewood; sister, Judy Nunn and brother-in-law, Merril of Amarillo; sister-in-law, Donna Fancher; grandchildren, Bella Grace, Ava Marie, Travis Michael, and Brenley Ann Marie, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will be holding private services for Gary. If you have any memories or stories you would like to share, the family would appreciate you sending them the following email address: Gary.Fancher.Memorial@gmail.com.

If desired, memorials may be made to the Gary Fancher Memorial Scholarship Fund benefitting a local student majoring in science: Mineola Community Bank Gary Fancher Memorial Scholarship Fund, Venmo: @Gary-Fancher-Scholarship