Gary L. Dever

Gary Dever, 84, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 21, 2025. He left life full of plans for spring planting, upcoming township meetings, and spending time with family and too many friends to name.

Gary was born to the late Donald (Bill) and Vera Jane Dever on November 10, 1940, in Columbus, Ohio. He lived his entire life in Brown Township, Ohio, and attended Hilliard High School, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball and met his one true love, Sophie Phares. They married on September 3, 1961, and spent 62 happy years together prior to Sophie’s passing in 2024.

Gary was deeply involved in Brown Township and the Hilliard community. He served as a Trustee of Brown Township for 47 years up until the time of his passing, playing a key role in developing the Environmental Conservation District and the Big Darby Accord. He also served terms on the Franklin County Fair Board for over 50 years, including as President, and on the Franklin County Board of Zoning Appeals for nearly 30 years. Additionally, he was Chair on the District Advisory Council of the Board of Health for a number of years. Gary had extensive knowledge of township history, environment, and agriculture, and was skilled at bringing people from different groups together to find solutions for the community.

Family and relationships were Gary’s top priority. He partnered with his brother Scott on running the family farm and always made time for his wife, children, and grandchildren through all his responsibilities. Gary loved his coffee and was a regular at New Grounds Coffee House for blueberry lattes and Brown Township Fire Station 82 to swap stories with their team and, of course, have more coffee. He didn’t know a stranger, developed friendships with ease, and took the time to know people beyond a surface level.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Gay Sowers (Wayne Hummel), brother Scott Dever (Ann Nagle), grandchildren Brandon and Dylan Sowers and Jordan and Brooklyn Dever, great granddaughter, Mary Lee Sowers, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sophie, son David Dever, and his parents.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in the bay area of Brown Township Fire Station 82, 2491 Walker Road, Hilliard Ohio from 1-4 PM and will immediately be followed by a tree planting dedication to Gary and Sophie. The celebration and dedication will be informal and are open to all who knew Gary to come share their memories with the Dever family. Light refreshments will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Franklin County Agricultural Society and Fairgrounds in Gary’s name.