CRESAPTOWN – Gary Lynn Cosner, 82, went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, March 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Born May 20, 1941 in Keyser, WV, he was the son of the late Sidney Cosner and Marilyn "Midge" (Reall) Jeppi. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by step-father, John Jeppi, brother-in-law Timothy McGreevy, and nephew, Emmett Orndoff.

Gary was a 1959 graduate of Allegany High School and in 1961 enlisted in the U.S. Army where he proudly served and was honorably discharged in 1964. Gary was a member of the Cresaptown Eagles.

While working as a machinist and then as a diesel engine inspector, Gary retired from Mack Trucks in 2000 after 30 years of service and then enjoyed spending time in his garage tinkering and later took up woodworking. He also loved to ride his Harley Davidson when he could. Before Gary became ill, he frequented the Cresaptown McDonald's early in the morning to meet his buddies and he adored the morning crew and they adored him.

Gary never knew a stranger and the family is consoled by many stories of his generosity to his friends and neighbors in the Cresaptown community. He would often offer his backhoe services by plowing snow for his neighbors and helping local churches, often at no charge.

In addition to his devotion to his family, Gary loved to hunt and fish and take his family camping in the early years. Later he enjoyed taking Sunday drives with his loving wife, Elke.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Elke L. (Laubenstein) Cosner; his brother, Robert Cosner and wife Debbie; sisters, Cheryl Cosner, and Lana McGreevy; and aunt, Betty Lou Reall. Gary is also survived by his daughters, Andrea Cosner and fiance, Mike Thomas; Cheryl Duncan and husband, Mike; and Marilyn Browning and husband Ryan.

Gary was known as Pop Pop to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, namely, Michael Whetstone and wife Andrea; Matthew Whetstone and wife Johna; Jordan Long and husband Tyler; Elijah Vinson; and Luke Duncan; His great grandchildren, whom he adored, namely, Carmen Whetstone, Harlyn Long, Charlotte Whetstone, Jeremy Long and step great grandchildren, Heinrich and Lars Hinkle. Gary is also survived by nieces and a nephew; great nieces and great nephew. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.

The family would like to thank the nurses in the ICU at UPMC, especially Sharon. We would also like to thank Pastor Rusty and Wes McKee and wife, Melissa.

A graveside service with military honors accorded by Fort Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard will be held at MD State Veterans Cemetery, Rocky Gap on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome.

Interment will be in MD State Veterans Cemetery.

If so inclined; in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20006.