Garry Guthridge

Garry A. Guthridge, 76, of Indianapolis and formerly of Fowler, Indiana, died December 5, 2011. He was born May 30, 1935 in Swanington, Indiana to Esther B. (Scott) Guthridge and Emmett O. Guthridge.
Garry was a graduate of Fowler High School, and Purdue University where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Speech. While in college, Garry played clarinet in the Purdue All-American Marching Band, and marched with the Purdue Alumni Band at homecoming football games on several occasions.
He married Janet L. Wallace of Covington, Indiana on April 26, 1964.
Garry had many professions throughout his life. He operated an appliance store in Fowler in the early 1960's. In 1965, he began working as a PBX Repairman for General Telephone in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1967, he was promoted to District Plant Manager in Richmond, Indiana. In 1969, he began employment with United Telephone of Florida as Northern Area Plant Manager in Avon Park, Florida. In 1972, Garry and his family returned to Fowler, Indiana to take over the family farm. He continued farming until his retirement in the 1990's. In addition to farming, he held office as a County Commissioner in Benton County in the 1980's. Garry was also a licensed pyrotechnician, and shot the annual Fourth of July fireworks show in Fowler for more than 20 years, as well as many other fireworks shows in Florida and throughout the Midwest. He also enjoyed seling and operating two-way radios, and was a Ham radio operator. In later life, Garry worked part-time EMT with the Boswell Ambulance Service.
Garry is survived by his wife, Janet; three children, Scott Guthridge (partner George Stratis) of San Jose, California; Jane G. Cotton (husband Jon) of McCordsville, Indiana; and Jennifer G. Williams (husband Dave) of Indianapolis, Indiana; four grandchildren Alex and Brandon Cotton and Paige and Evan Williams and a brother, David (wife Gayle) Guthridge of Fowler, Indiana. Garry was preceded in death by his parents and two infant daughters.
Friends may call at the Fowler United Methodist Church, Fowler, Indiana from 10:00 AM until the memorial service at 1:00 PM Thursday, Pastor Brenda Ludwig officiating. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Hahn-Groeber Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com