Gary Shidemantle

Gary Lee Shidemantle, of Crossingville, age 76, journeyed to his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 due to an illness related to serving his country. He was born November 13, 1948 in Grove City, PA the son of Richard and Sarah (Beighley) Shidemantle. He graduated from Slippery Rock High School. He moved to Crawford County PA in 1968. He married Vicky Peterson in May of 1995. He was a member of the Hickernell United Methodist Church. In his younger years, he was in FFA and showed cattle with his father. He enjoyed calf roping, team penning with his father and brothers, horseback riding, and loved dancing, especially square dancing. He lit up the room when he danced. He was a self-employed auctioneer and livestock broker.

He went into the Army in 1969 and served his tour in Vietnam. After returning home from the Army, he started Gary’s Sales and Service, which was his auction business and livestock buying station. He was a licensed auctioneer in both Pennsylvania and Ohio. In addition, Gary auctioneered at his parents business, The Meadville Livestock Auction for approximately 47 years. He and his wife Vicky purchased the business in 2011 and it still operates today. Gary served as an auctioneer for the Crawford County 4-H and FFA livestock auction from its beginning in 1972, until his retirement in 2024 due to his health. He enjoyed attending the fair and supporting the 4-H and FFA programs. He was a regular buyer at the sales.

He was a member of the Masonic Western Crawford Lodge No 258, Zem Zem Shriners, Scottish Rite, American Quarter Horse Association, and Crawford County Farm Bureau. He received a Quilt of Valor in 2021 and was honored to be a Veteran. In August, he received the Crawford County Agricultural Hall of Fame Award. He and his wife were recently selected to receive the Friends of 4-H award to be presented in November of this year. He spent his life taking care of those around him, including his family, friends, and made sure that he was there for anyone needing a helping hand. He was a very kind and loving man and he cherished every moment he spent with his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, including his Tucker dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Richard and Sarah (Beighley) Shidemantle.

He is survived by his wife Vicky Shidemantle. He is also survived by his son Gary Lee Jr. (Morgan) of Saegertown, PA, one daughter Debbe (Aaron) Davidson of Cambridge Springs, PA, four grandchildren Benson Lee and Olivia Shidemantle and Addison and Grace Plummer; one sister Roxann Shidemantle of Conneautville, PA, two brothers Keith (Peggy) Shidemantle of Conneautville, PA, and Danny (Brenda) Shidemantle of Conneautville, PA; many nieces and nephews, and a mountain of friends.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday October 17, 2025 from 2:00pm to 7:00 pm at Rundeltown Community Center 13380 Rundeltown Road Conneautville, PA 16406. Funeral service will be Saturday October 18, 2025 at 11:00am with Pastor Matt Rendulic officiating.

Gary will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at Rundeltown Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post #2006.

Please sign Gary’s online guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com

In lieu of flowers donations could be made to Hayfield Fire Department, 15417 State Highway 198, Meadville, PA. 16335 or Hickernell United Methodist Church 12048 Springboro Road, Springboro, PA 16435.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin Street, Meadville, PA 16335.