Gary Dean "Bear" Shugart, age 73 of Cambridge, Ohio, passed away Tuesday December 2, 2025 at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio following a brief illness. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio on May 9, 1952 to the late Dean A. Shugart and Norma R. (George) Shugart.
A 1970 graduate of Madison High School, Bear spent his time enjoying life, balancing hard work with playing hard. While he worked a variety of jobs in his lifetime, he was best known for his work with John Deere. He spent many years traveling the region as a heavy equipment mechanic, later traveling to those same customers as a service rep. Words flowed easily for Bear, resulting in many conversations with customers that in turn led to many lasting friendships. Even after retiring he would travel to former customers to simply talk. The distance needed to travel was never concerning because to him, the destination was key. The destination to see family and friends, walk through thousands of Harley Davidsons, inspect a vehicle for sale, attend the Farm Science Review with his brothers or to check the status of an on-going project carried him in his travels.
He possessed a strong sense of community, service, and goodwill. As a member of Quaker City Lodge #500 F & AM he served as Secretary, Past Master, and Past District Educational Officer for the 23rd Masonic District. He continued his Masonic service by holding dual membership to the Freeport Lodge #415 F & AM. He was also a member of HOG group from Valley Harley Davidson and attended Old Washington United Methodist Church with his wife.
His determination, focus, and knowledge guided him through projects both small and large, while his calm, composed, and ever smiling presence brightened any job to those who worked with him. A John Deere and Harley Davidson man to the core, he understood the importance of family, friends, and helping when there was a need, whether that be searching for a vehicle or part, clearing snow from a driveway, or chauffeuring someone in need of a ride. He was a man of silent strength, brushing away frustrations and aggravations with a shrug of the shoulders and "it is what it is", yet firmly planting himself for his beliefs.
Gary Dean "Bear" Shugart made a strong and lasting impression on many. Our world was brighter for knowing the loving, kind, and spirited husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend he was, and that world will dim as we mourn his passing.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, his Love and Honey, Helen L. (Oliver) Shugart, whom he married June 10, 2005; son Harley D. (Hope) Shugart of Callahan, FL; step-daughter Sarah J. Larrick of Cambridge, OH; step-son Scott R. (Tami) Larrick of Cambridge, OH; brothers Stephen (Marlene) Shugart of Bolivar, OH and Alan (Debby) Shugart of Freeport, OH; sister-in-law Barb Shugart of Florida; grandchildren Jamie, Bear, Indy, Brendan, Alex, Isabella, Mia, and Olive; many long-time friends including Tim Lyons and Larry Porter and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Samuel K. and Roy Alton Shugart.
Friends may call from 10 am till 1 pm Saturday December 6, 2025 at Bundy-Law Funeral Home with the Masonic service beginning at 1:15 pm. The traditional funeral service will begin at 1:30 pm at the funeral home with Rev. Craig Murray officiating. Burial will follow in Northwood Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to The Old Washington United Methodist Church, 118 Old National Road, Old Washington, OH 43768. An on-line guest-book may be signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Dean "Bear" Shugart please visit our Sympathy Store.