The city of Temple is mourning the man who founded the Temple Bible Church, Gary DeSalvo. Gary died Monday evening after battling cancer for six years.

While I didn't get the chance to meet Pastor DeSalvo, I did get to see first hand the way he cared for his congregation and the way the community cared for him. News 10 spoke with State Rep Hugh Shine who told those gathered at a luncheon Tuesday that DeSalvo was, "a wonderful pastor, very involved in this community and I hope that you will continue to lift his family up in prayer.”

Gary's wife shared the news of his passing on social media Monday and wrote: "Gary saw the face of Jesus and it took his breath away." This phrase soon started to show up on area signs like the one at the Chick-fil-A above.

DeSalvo's cancer was first diagnosed in 2013 but he continued to share the gospel by preaching all the way through August 11th when he delivered his last sermon. He went to the hospital shortly after that service.

Temple Bible Church teaching Pastor described DeSalvo as teaching members of his church how to live well and how to die faithfully. Visitation will be this coming Friday at 6 p.m. at the Temple Bible Chuch. All are welcome to attend. His funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. The church is located at 3205 Oakview Drive in Temple.

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