Gary R. Metzger of Lancaster, retired police officer, loving son, father and husband, died peacefully Tuesday, January 14, 2014. He was the husband of Beth Taylor Metzger. Born in Lancaster and raised in Mountville, he was the son of Betty Gingerich Metzger of Mountville and the late Donald R. Metzger Sr.

Gary graduated from Hempfield High School in 1966. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force from February 1967 to February 1971. Following in the footsteps of his father, Gary became a member of the Lancaster City Police Department in 1971, retiring in 2008 after 37 years of distinguished service to his community. For the past five years, Gary worked as a security officer at Womens & Babies Hospital, where he developed many strong friendships in the wake of his cancer diagnosis.

Gary loved fishing with his wife and family and hunting with his brother and friends. His favorite place to spend time was his cabin in Franklin County. Gary cherished all the time he spent with his family. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Red Rose Lodge 16 and Mill Creek Sportsmen's Association.

In addition to his wife and mother, he survived by two daughters, Michelle Wiley, wife of Terry Wiley, and Allison Schlegelmilch, wife of Matt Schlegelmilch, both of Lancaster; a stepson, Seth Taylor, husband of Cheryl Brooks Taylor of Strasburg; and a stepdaughter, Erin Taylor Maddox, wife of Daniel Maddox of Lancaster; as well as five grandsons and two granddaughters. Gary is also survived by a brother, Donald R. Metzger of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by a son, Brian R. Metzger.

Gary's Funeral will be held 1 PM Monday, January 20, 2014, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, with Rev. Mark J. Thiboldeaux officiating. A Visitation will take place 11 AM to 1 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Interment in Mountville Church of the Brethren Cemetery with Honors accorded by the Lancaster City Bureau of Police Honor Guard. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.