Gary Homan

Men are sometimes judged by the amount of "toys" they have - cars, boats, etc. Gary Homan was an exception. He judged himself by his hard work ethic, his devotion to family, and his love for farming and the outdoors. These were the things that mattered the most and in turn, brought great satisfaction to Gary and all those around him. How fortunate they were.

The decade of the 50's was a time of peace and prosperity. Many Americans found they now had more money to spend and "consumerism" became a byword of the times. Part of the 1950's boom in consumerism included housing. People could afford single-family dwellings and suburbia was born. Not everyone, however, was caught up in the rush to be a homeowner, with other homeowners right next door on both sides. Stan and Donna Homan were among those who were content to live on their family farm in the small community of Fulton, Michigan, just east of Vicksburg. Along with their 20-month-old son Arnie, on January 28, 1951, they welcomed the birth of their second son, Gary.

The Homan family lived on an 800-acre farm and this meant everyone had chores to do, young Gary included. He learned very early the value of hard work but he also learned to love and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of living and working on a farm. When not doing his chores, Gary would often fight and roughhouse with his older brother, like all siblings do. But as time went on, both boys matured and so did their relationship. Steadfast friends as adults, both boys lived close to the family farm with their own families.

Gary attended school in nearby Vicksburg and graduated from high school with the class of 1969. While in high school, Gary had been an active member of the FFA - Future Farmers of America. He didn't consider himself a "future" farmer; having lived on a farm all his life and with a love for the land, he already was a farmer. Working the farm and staying close to family was what was most important to this young man.

When Gary was 18 years old, he was involved in a terrible accident at a hammer mill - he lost part of his arm. Fitted with a prosthesis, Gary never considered the loss of his arm a handicap. It did however, earn him the nickname "Hook". This life-changing event only served to accentuate the qualities that made Gary Homan a man of great strength and character. It never prevented him from doing a job, and doing it right. He could do virtually anything he put his mind to.

It can't be stated enough how much Gary loved farming. It was his life, his job, and his hobby. He never missed a day of work. Sickness, broken ribs, nothing kept him from taking care of his beloved farm. Two mottos guided Gary's life - "Mind over matter" and "no brain, no pain." If he wasn't feeling good, it was still his responsibility to do the job at hand. His family considered him to be one tough individual - for all the right reasons.

Gary also worked for more than 20 years as a roofer putting in 50+ hours a week in addition to taking care of the farm. He took great pride in his work and would often point out buildings that he had worked on when out with his family. Even after a long day of roofing, the farm still called to him. To him it was a joy and a privilege to be able to come home to his own paradise - his farm. Gary raised sheep on the farm, along with deacons, baby bull calves. A farmer "from the old school", Gary was always ready and willing to help others in need. Helping a neighbor bale his hay was a normal thing to do. Of course, friends and neighbors wanted to return Gary's offer of help, but he preferred to do things by himself.

Gary didn't need a lot of people around to be happy. He enjoyed family time but when the entire extended family got together, it was a little too much. Besides, working the farm left little time for socializing. He did do some camping off and on and had recently commented that he would like to do it again. He enjoyed sleeping outdoors, under the stars.

On March 19, 1993 Gary married Faye Olson, a woman he had known for quite a while. It was a simple ceremony, presided over by the Justice of the Peace at the county courthouse. Faye had two daughters, Sarah and Aimee, and Gary welcomed them with open arms. He treated them as if they were his own daughters and took great pleasure in spending time with them and helping them with their 4-H projects.

Gary Homan's time on this earth was much too short. An amazing man with a big heart, many people considered him their best friend. Ambitious, energetic, and admired for how he carried himself, only time and memories will fill the hole left in the hearts of those he loved.

Gary Homan died on Tuesday, June 7, 2005, as a result of a farming accident. He was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Debbie. Members of his family include his wife Faye, his parents Stan and Donna Homan, his children, Aaron, Ambra, Angel, Sarah and Aimee; a step-son Tom, his brother Arnie and his wife Patty Homan, and 5 grandchildren. A pig roast and potluck gathering will be held on Sunday at 1pm at the chicken barn of Frank and Sue Roberts, 11671 East U Ave, to honor and celebrate Gary's life. Friends and family are invited to attend in casual attire and bring their stories and memories to share. Please visit Gary's personal memory page at www.lifestorytnet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation.