Gary Ray Stearns, 56, of Cornish, NH died Wednesday November 4, 2009 suddenly while hunting in Adena, Ohio. 

He was born in Claremont on January 7, 1953, the son of Raymond and Velma (Shute) Stearns.  He had been a resident of Claremont for many years and had recently moved to Cornish.

He was a graduate of Windsor High School and a graduate of American Institute of Taxidermy.

Gary and his wife Cynthia owned and operated Stearns Archery and Taxidermy in Claremont for the past 30 years.  He was a member of the National Field Archery Association, New Hampshire Bowmen, the Claremont Archers and the Claremont Beagle Club.

He was an avid hunter and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

The family includes his wife, Cynthia E. (Hill) Stearns whom he married on June 9, 1979; three daughters, Sara Wilmot and her husband Brent, Heather Mudgett and her husband Chris both of Claremont and Tara Stearns of Hartland, VT; one son, Brad Stearns and his girlfriend Elizabeth Miner of Claremont; two sisters, Elaine Brodeur and Lynne Young; one grandson, Matthew Wilmot; one granddaughter, Eva Stearns and two of Gary’s daughters are expecting. Gary is also survived by his loyal companion, Bo.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont Monday, evening November 9^th from 5pm to 8pm.

 Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 10th at 11:30 in the morning at the Stringer Funeral Home, with Pastor Shinhyung Ahn of the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.