Warren Family Mission founder mourned
Gilger died of apparent heart attack Wednesday
Trending
WARREN -- Staff and friends of the Warren Family Mission are mourning the loss of Pastor Chris Gilger, the Mission founder and director, who died Wednesday at age 67.
Gilger was traveling back from West Virginia where he was helping someone with an addiction when it was believed he had cardiac arrest, according to Dominic Mararri, public relations director for the Mission, who received word Wednesday morning of his death.
Gilger founded the Mission in 1998.
"He died doing what he did his entire life -- helping others. That was his legacy. He was a missionary and a rescuer and spent time helping people locally and also in other states," Mararri said, choking back tears.
"He had spoken on the phone to the Mission board staff about the upcoming events this week and next. He seemed fine. Later, we received a call that he had passed from a sudden cardiac incident," Mararri said of being notified by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
He said Gilger traveling to another state to help someone was not uncommon.
Mararri said Gilger's car was found on the side of the road near the Ravenna exit with hazard lights flashing. He said it is believed Gilger pulled the car to the side of the road because he was not feeling well. The patrol immediately called the Mission.
"The community lost a man with the biggest heart who was always willing to help those in need. We are celebrating the life and legacy of this wonderful man of God," Mararri said.
"He was always there to help the people who needed it. I needed help in my life, and he was there."
Mararri said Gilger helped him when he was facing addiction issues in his own life.
"Pastor Gilger believed in me. He was a living example of God's love," Mararri said.
He said he considered Gilger as a father figure and friend.
"This has been a difficult time for everyone at the mission and for all of us who knew Pastor Chris," Mararri said.
Warren Mayor Doug Franklin called Gilger a "champion for the community and his agency.
"He will be sorely missed," Franklin said. "He was always willing and able to serve the community, whether it was the homeless, the hungry or the addicted. Our community was definitely the beneficiary of his life."
A GoFundMe account was established to help defray costs for funeral.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be made available as soon as they are determined, Mararri said.
In lieu of flowers, Gilger's family is asking the community to send money to pay for the costs of the funeral.
Several comments from people on the Warren Family Mission's Facebook page noted how sad people are of the news but also praised Gilger for the countless lives he helped and know he is with the Lord.
One comment included, "He saved countless lives, including my own. I know without a doubt he heard the words 'Well done my good and faithful servant.'"