Gary Reger Hostetter, 88, of Milan slipped the bonds of his earthly body and gained his heavenly reward on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital with his children at his side. Gary was born on May 22, 1937 in Knoxville, Iowa, to Gilbert Reuben and Minnie (Reger) Hostetter. He was raised in the Pollock area and graduated from Milan High School Class of 1955. He enlisted in the Navy shortly after high school and was stationed at the Naval base in Key West, Florida. Gary spent 3 years in active service and 3 years in the ready reserves. His Navy career as a shopkeeper was of great pride to him.
Gary married Barbara Frazer on December 23, 1956. They had four children, Janet Sue, Julie Ann, Betty Jean and Robert Gary.
Gary and Barbara returned to Milan after his Navy service and he worked in various agriculture-related employment including hauling milk, managing the MFA, and owning and operating Hostetter Farm Service. He also served 12 years as the Sullivan County Assessor. In 1964, he and Barbara purchased the Frazer family farm where he lived until his death
Gary took pride in serving the Milan community and was involved with the Jaycees, Lion’s Club, Rotary, Milan School Board, and Da-tah Senior Housing Board. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting, square dancing, working on his farm, and driving country roads.
He proclaimed Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was baptized in 1956. He and Barbara worshipped and served at the Milan Church of Christ, Milan Christian Church, Green City Christian Church, and Christ’s Community Church.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his daughter, Janet, his brothers Paul and Don Hostetter and his sister Mildred Coin.
Gary is survived by his children: Julie Foster, Columbia; Betty and Scott Lovell, St. Charles; and Robert and Roberta Hostetter of Columbia. His grandchildren are Angela Foster, Bailey (Ty) Prazma, and Luke (Samantha) Lovell and McCartney Hostetter; and his six great-grandchildren are Zeyda, Azeria, and Amari Zereik, Emilia Prazma, and Halle and Levi Lovell. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Mary Anthony of Creve Coeur, MO, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be Tuesday, March 31 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral home in Milan with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. with Bro. Andy Woods officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery with a graveside service with Bro. David Tharp. Pallbearers are Scott Lovell, Luke Lovell, Ty Prazma, Beau Hepler, Javin Tharp and Evan Tharp.
Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital Foundation or Sullivan County Senior Center.