The Bloomingdale community is mourning the loss of Gary Tyler Ewen, affectionately called “Bubba” by those who loved him, who passed away on June 5, 2026, in Elgin, Illinois. He was 37 years old.
His passing has left a quiet but deep sadness among family, old friends, and neighbors who remembered him for his warmth, his genuine nature, and the way he always made people feel welcome in his presence.
Gary was born on July 6, 1988, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois. He grew up in the area and attended Lake Park High School, where he built friendships that would stay with him long after graduation in 2006.
Those who knew him from those years remember a young man who was easy to talk to, full of spirit, and never short on enthusiasm. He was the kind of person who showed up, paid attention, and made people around him feel valued.
A Young Man with Many Gifts
Gary had a range of interests that reflected the different sides of who he was. He loved football, following the game with real passion and energy. But alongside that love of sport was a quieter, more reflective side that expressed itself through art, music, and writing. He created things. He hummed songs.
He put his thoughts into words. Those who spent time with him saw a person who brought genuine heart to whatever he cared about, and those qualities left a lasting impression.
Patty Beverly, whose son Joey played football with Gary on the Bloomingdale Bears 1996 team, shared her memories online after learning of his passing.
She recalled those days fondly and noted that her late father, who announced the games, loved those boys, too. It is the kind of detail that speaks to the mark Gary left on people, even from an early age.
Surrounded by Family Who Loved Him
Gary is survived by family members who were central to his life, including Jon and Kathy, Tina, Jeffery, Nicholas, and Candice, RaeAnn and Claudia, Tanner, and Athena. Family clearly meant a great deal to him.
He valued the bonds that gave him a sense of belonging, and those connections were a steady source of meaning throughout his life.
Friends and community members who learned of his passing took to social media to share their grief and their memories. Many described him as a great guy, someone whose smile and presence were hard to forget. Kristine Torsen-Sota wrote simply that Bubba was the coolest and that he would be missed.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 12th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a Prayer Service beginning at 4:15 PM at Bucaro Funeral Home and Cremation Center, located at 485 W. Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale.
Instead of flowers, the family is asking that donations be directed to Mission Church in Bloomingdale. For more information, visit www.bucarofuneralhome.com or call 630-242-4700.
Gary Tyler Ewen was 37 years old. He will be remembered for the kindness he carried and the life he lived.
