Mr. Ambrose K. “J.R.” Gyger, Jr., of Lebanon, passed away Jan. 16, 2021, at SHC of Parkwood in Lebanon.
J.R. was born Sept. 6, 1932, in Bedford, a son of the late Ambrose and Lillian (Walls) Gyger. He married Patricia Whitted on Feb. 6. 1955. She survives.
J.R. graduated from Shawswick High School in Lawrence County, where he was the captain of the first Shawswick basketball team to win the Bedford sectional; he also made the all- regional team at Jeffersonville and was selected as the most outstanding player his senior year. J.R. also ran track and won the quarter and half- mile races at the Lawrence County track meet. He then went on to serve in the US Army, stationed in Japan.
J.R. worked for the family farm, retiring in 1995, and then he began to collect and restore antique tractors. He was an avid collector of JI Case tractors and belonged to the JI Case Collectors Club and the Heritage Foundation. He also collected Thunderbird cars. J.R. also worked for Case Power & Equipment for several years.
J.R. and his wife enjoyed wintering in Wachula, FL for 25 years. He always enjoyed watching the Indy 500, along with NASCAR.
In addition to his wife, Patricia Gyger, survivors include sons, Jay Kevin (Nancy) Gyger of Lebanon and Kyle Lee (Joy) Gyger of Lebanon; grandchildren, Justin Gyger of Lebanon, Jake (Karlie) Gyger, who are expecting a baby in April, of Lebanon, Jenny Gyger of Lebanon, Andrew (Rachel) Gyger of Noblesville, and Emma Gyger of Chicago, IL; and great-granddaughter, Maddison Gyger. J.R. was preceded in death by his sisters, Toni Hobson, Laura Hopkins, Norma Gyger and Eileen Branaman.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon. Final care of J.R. has been entrusted to the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boone County Senior Services, 515 Crownpointe Drive, Lebanon, IN 46052.
