Gary Lee Billenstein 71 of Versailles, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday November 4, 2026, at 11:46 PM at his residence. Gary was born on December 17, 1954, in Darke County, Ohio, the son of the late Robert George and Julia Mary (Glynn) Billenstein.
Gary was a hardworking man and worked at Clopay for 50 years; he was a member of the Versailles Eagles; he enjoyed playing golf, and was an adrenaline junkie who went skydiving, whitewater rafting, riding horses, and motorcycles. He played softball for many years and coached his kids as they grew up, he was an avid Cleveland Browns fan and hosted many browns parties and was a member of the Browns Backers; and most of all he loved his family and truly loved spending time with them at gatherings, holidays and traveling.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Kenneth Billenstein; and his sister, Jacqueline Ann Billenstein.
Gary is survived by his wife Shirley (McEldowney) Billenstein whom he married in 2002 in Myrtle Beach; his children, Melissa Clem, Nicole Mora, Devin Billenstein, and Eric Hemmelgarn; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Thoms (Katherine) Billenstein, and Jim (Janet) Billenstein; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass and a Celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to help offset the funeral expenses.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Billenstein Family.
