Gary A. Lander, age 85, of Washington, IL passed away at 10:13 p.m. on December 16th at Apostolic Christian Home in Roanoke, IL.

A visitation will be held from 11a.m. - 12 p.m. on Friday, December 22nd at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL.  His funeral service will follow at 12 p.m., with Pastor Tom Goodell officiating. Burial will follow at Fondulac Cemetery, East Peoria, IL.

Gary was born on May 29, 1938 in Peoria, IL. Surviving are one brother, Bob (Adrienne) Lander of Mesa, AZ; and family, daughter Gara (Ryan) Larson of Pacifica, CA, daughter, Gayle (Bill) Ninis of Pinellas Park, FL, daughter, Shari (Keith) Bennett of Trevor, WI and son, Michael (Nancy) Lane of Bloomington, IL; grandchildren, Riley A. Lane, Madalyn I. Lane, Avery R. Lane, Zachary T. Bennett, Alex M. Bennett, Lincoln N. Larson and Parker W. Ninis and two step grandsons; Noah R. and Lucca M. Larson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emma (Edwards) Lander, and wife, Mary Y. (Clampitt) Lander.

Gary was a graduate of East Peoria Community High School. He joined the United States Navy in 1956 and served for 4 years. He was employed as a boiler engineer and retired from Witco (formerly Sherex) in Mapleton, IL. Gary had a love of horses and owned many throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed watching old westerns often referring to himself as a cowboy. Gary loved fishing, taking trips with his family up to the lakes of Wisconsin and even had an adventure to Alaska once for a fishing excursion. Gary was a tried-and-true Chicago Cubs fan cheering them on even through the toughest of times. Gary did love his music too. He was always singing along (even if he didn't know the words) to country tunes or his all-time favorite singer, Elvis.

But above all Gary loved having his family around him sharing old navy stories, cracking jokes and bringing laughter to those around him. He will truly be missed by his family and friends and will remain in our hearts forever.

Gary was a member of The Bridge United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org).