Marcelo R. Gavilanez, MD, 81, of Bluffton, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 29, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest senior living community in Decatur.
Marcelo was born in Guaranda, Ecuador, on Nov. 28, 1944, to Cesar “Ramiro” and Eloisa (Falconi) Gavilanes. Both parents preceded him in death. He married Joan P. Hankey in Butler on July 24, 1965; she survives.
A 1963 graduate of Pedro Carbo High School in Guaranda, Ecuador, Marcelo later received his Bachelor of Arts degree from IPFW. He then obtained his medical degree from Autonoma University in Guadalajara, Mexico, and then completed his residency of OB/GYN at Memorial Medical Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1980, Marcelo came to Bluffton to join as a partner with Markle Medical Center as an OB/GYN. He retired from Markle Medical Center in 2012 after 32 years with the practice and having delivered over 3,000 babies during his career.
Marcelo was a long-time member of Hope Missionary Church in Bluffton, where he served in many roles over the years, including on the church board and other areas, primarily focusing on mission work. He was also a member of the Wells County Historical Society, Wells County Genealogy Society, Gideons International – Wells County Chapter and was even named the Wells County “Citizen of the Year” in 2019, for his devotion and dedication to the community. Over the years, Marcelo spent countless hours volunteering at several organizations, including the Bargain Hut, (former) Panos Free Clinic, Indiana Migrant Clinic and also traveled to serve on many mission trips.
In addition to his wife, Joan, of 61 years, Marcelo is survived by a daughter, Juanita (Nathaniel “Nat”) Bryan of Bluffton; two sons, Marc (Kami) Gavilanez of Ossian and David (Amber) Gavilanez of Bluffton; four grandchildren, Natalia Bryan, Daniela “Dani” Gavilanez, and Aidan and Averie Gavilanez; seven sisters, Lupe (Ramiro) Salvador of Sante Fe, New Mexico, Mariana Loor of Quito, Ecuador, Alba Luna of Riverside, California, Liliana (Jesse) Stewart of Griffin, Georgia, Lourdes “Luli” (Ricardo) Serrano of Quito, Ecuador, Ximena (Fernando) Strube of Quito, Ecuador, and Monica (Galo) Cando of Peachtree City, Georgia; along with one brother, Alfredo (Sylvana) Gavilanes of Quito, Ecuador.
Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, from 2 until 7 p.m., in the Worship Center (main sanctuary) at Hope Missionary Church in Bluffton. Parking will be on the west side of the church and enter through “Door B”. Services will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m., at Hope Missionary Church, with visitation from 9 until 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Pastor Mark Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton.
Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Marcelo left a wonderful legacy in his work and in his family. He also understood the importance of being impacted by others who spoke into his life and his Christian walk at important junctures of his life. Even in his death, he wants to do that for others by making a generational impact through his memorial gifts. He would like any memorial gifts to go to Forgotten Children Worldwide and their Kipindi Mpito program, which helps Ugandan youth transition to adulthood and build a better future for generations to come.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goodwinharnish.com.