AVA - Gary W. Minter, Sr., 69, of Ava, passed away at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, April 23, 2014, at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois. Gary was born in Murphysboro, Illinois on November 25, 1944, the son of Russell and Betty Minter Bilderback. He married Charlotte Ann Crews on August 12, 1967 in DeSoto, Illinois. Gary was a US Navy veteran, having served from 1962 until 1966 as a Dental Tech. He was retired from Sparta Printing Co., Sparta, Illinois. Gary was a member of the Ava Missionary Baptist Church; Paul Stout American Legion Post #127, Murphysboro; former member of the Ava Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years and retired as Assistant Chief; and member of the County 911 Board. Gary was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and he enjoyed photography. Gary is survived by his wife, Charlotte Ann Minter of Ava; one son, Gary Wayne (Dee) Minter, Jr. of Ava; grandchildren, Audrey, Tony and Kenny Peterein and Phoebe Minter; one brother, William (Tonya) Bilderback of Percy; and three sisters, Donna Russey of Yantis, TX, Carol (Larry) Schroeder of Jacob, IL and Sharon Dagner of Ava. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Pastor Ronald Heiman officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 10 am until 2 pm Friday.