Gary Allen Highland of Carbondale

Gary Allen Highland, 77, of Carbondale passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Gary was born March 21, 1944, in Carbondale to Lewis R. and Dorothy L. (Petty) Highland. He married Meribeth Lerner in Carbondale on June 22, 1968.

Gary is survived by his wife, Meribeth (Betsy); three sons, John Highland, Charles (Chuck) Highland and Robert (Bobby) Highland all of Carbondale; and a sister-in-law, Cindy Heckscher of Philadelphia, Pa.

Gary was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and SIU Salukis. He was a proud supporter of Carbondale Terriers Athletics, serving on the "chain gang" for many years. Gary had been a member and Exalted Ruler of the Carbondale Elks, and previously served as president of the Carbondale Elementary School Board.

He was employed as the leasing manager of Econolease for 34 years and later worked at John A. Logan College. Gary was devoted to his family and their many pets throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in-laws, Charles and Janice Ruth Lerner.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Meredith Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Gary, visit meredithfh.com.