Gary Chester Bassler

Gary Chester Bassler, also known as GB, Dad, and Pap, went to be with his Lord on December 30th, 2021, after fighting an uphill battle in warrior style. Although he felt that he had more time to spend here with all of us, he let us know “If the good Lord wants me, he is going to take me.” He dedicated his life to the Lord on April 17th, 1957, and always believed.

He was born on July 6th, 1948, as a premature infant. His parents were told that he had a 1 in 10,000 chance of survival. Through the grace of God and the devotion of his parents, he was given these precious years on earth.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Bassler, or as he referred to her, “Lou.” Also surviving is his son Scott Bassler and fiancée Lori Chamberlain of Woodbury; daughter Dawn Bassler-Howard and husband Michael of Frostburg, MD; grandchildren Breah Boor and spouse Adam of Cary, NC, Alexis Corl and spouse Jordan of Martinsburg, Dillon Bassler and spouse Alicia of Martinsburg, Lydia Claar and long term partner Russell of Frostburg, MD and Reis Howard of Frostburg, MD; great-grandchildren Raelynn and Addyson Corl and Harlee and Oaklee Bassler. Gary also leaves behind a brother Fred Bassler and wife Cheryl. Lastly, he leaves his lifelong friends Erwin and Joyce Bassler and Jim and Bev Albright. Special friends also include Michael Domenick, Daryl Leach, and “Woody” who he talked with on the phone more than anyone. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ora Bassler.

He graduated from Northern Bedford High School in 1966 and married Linda on November 9th, 1968. Then, he proudly became the owner and operator of Grubbs’s Body Shop from 1974 until 1997. Finally, he retired from Farmers Insurance as a Senior Claims Representative.

Gary was truly one of a kind with the biggest personality in the room. He loved the USA and those who fought for his freedom. He enjoyed engaging in conversations with everyone about his favorite topics, such as cars, history and politics. He knew who he was and did not waver from his opinions even when no one else agreed. He was as real as you get in this lifetime.

In his younger years, he enjoyed drag racing and roller skating at Cypher Beach. He also spent time boating, water skiing, hill climbing, and camping in those days. In his later years, he enjoyed tinkering with small projects, watching old western movies, playing spades with his grandchildren, and working on his lifelong labor of love, restoring his 1966 Shelby GT350 Hertz car.

He will be remembered by so many people, as he had a presence about him. When you were with him, you never knew what was ahead of you. After each adventure, he would always say “...but didn’t we have fun?” We will never forget his unpredictable behavior and his “Gary Basslerisms.” We know that he is already making friends and telling stories in heaven. We miss you so much already and love you always.

There will be a private viewing for immediate family only. A memorial service to celebrate his life and memory will be held at a later date for all of his family and friends.

Arrangements by Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. (www.stonefuneralhomewoodbury.com); Woodbury.