Gary Salzgaber

Gary Salzgaber, 77 of Urbana passed away peacefully November 14, 2022 at Urbana House Senior Assisted Living in Urbana, Ohio.

He was born November 21, 1944 and raised in Columbus, Ohio. He attended pubic schools until entering Capital University to major in Music Education. While there he met Bette, his future wife.

Gary started teaching in Urbana in 1966 and retired in 1998 having taught instrumental music to elementary students for 32 years. He also was an assistant band director at the high school where he was the announcer for the half-time shows at football games. He loved his job and knew he had one of the best teaching jobs a band director could have.,

When Bette graduated from Capital University, Gary and Bette were married and she started teaching in the elementaries. They were married for 54 years having been married by The Reverend Donald Dixon in 1968 in Columbus, Ohio.

Gary’s major was saxophone, and he played alto, tenor and baritone sax in several jazz bands in Urbana and Bellefontaine. Gary loved playing for audiences and would play in churches in the summer for special events. As a vocalist he sang in church choirs and the “Guys & Dolls” for several seasons.

Gary was an avid model train enthusiast. He has had a love of trains since he was small child as his father worked on real trains. He was an accomplished model railroader receiving many awards and certificates. His train layout in the basement of his home was featured in several magazines for model railroaders. He was a featured stop on bus tours of model railroaders. Persons from many states and countries visited, with the furthest one coming from Bora Bora.

Dressing in his official Conductor’s uniform, he acted as the conductor on excursion train rides in Urbana punching tickets and delighting passengers.

He was active in several model train societies including: New York Central System Historical Society, Inc., and the National Model Railroad Association. Every summer he attended a regional convention in Pennsylvania for model railroaders. He was delighted to see old friends, make new friends, and “talk trains”.

As a Presbyterian, he was active in the church choir and was an Elder. He also directed church choirs in the Urbana Methodist Church and Scioto Ridge Methodist Church in Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife Bette, a sister Jan Courtright (Gary), a nephew David Harris (Clair Elaine), a great niece Larrisa Harris and a great nephew Graham Harris. He is preceded in death by his parents, Doris and Harry Salzgaber and his grandparents.

Many thanks and appreciation go to Affinity Hospice and Urbana House Senior Assisted Living for the exceptional love, care, and support he was shown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be made to Urbana House Senior Living, 609 East Water Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078 and Affinity Hospice Care 7681 Tylers Place Blvd. Suite 3, West Chester, Ohio 45069.

A memorial service will be held at Urbana Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Walter & Lewis Funeral Home.