R. Gary Deavel of Traverse City, MI, died comfortably in his apartment in his beloved Cordia community on July 27, 2025, after a full life. Born in South Bend, IN, on February 15, 1929, to Mary Harbaugh Deavel and Harold R. Deavel, he had his first piano lesson at the age of six and found the path he would follow diligently for the next 90 years. He became a church organist at 12 and would go on to bring that rich and complex instrument to life as a performer, composer, and teacher for decades. He received his undergraduate degree from Manchester College (now University) in North Manchester, IN, his Master's degree from Chicago's Sherwood Music School, and his doctorate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He would return to Manchester to have a lengthy career as a professor of organ, piano, music theory, and humanities. While a student there, he met his charming and talented classmate Charlotte Schütz, herself a keyboard musician, who would become his wife of nearly 45 years until her death in 1998, a profound loss. The family they created includes son Philip (Cindy), daughter Christine (John), granddaughter Hayley (John), and great granddaughter Taylor. His chosen family of dear friends in Michigan, Indiana, Mexico, and England brought him much joy. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Grand Traverse greatly enriched his days. He savored reading, vigorous and respectful discussion, the Jumble, a glass of wine, cookies, and music, always music. If donations in his memory are of interest, the family suggests UUCGT or any organization that keeps music in the air.