Dr. Gary Wayne Cashon, 51, of Malvern, Pa., died Sunday, Oct. 20, 1996, following an extended illness.

Cashon received a bachelor of science degree from David Lipscomb College, a master's degree and a doctorate degree in medical microbiology from the University of Missouri.

He was founder and a current partner in Hillman Medical Ventures. He also founded Ohmicron Corp., Cellcor Inc. and Intrasonix bio-technology companies and served on their boards of directors.

Cashon was previously vice president of marketing at Centocor Inc., where he participated in developing and naming a blood test used to detect ovarian cancer. He had also been vice president of Research and Development of Bechton-Dickinson. He had also taught immunology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He and his wife are owners of Wild Bird Center in Exton, Pa. Cashon was a co-founder of Care Center for Christ, an ecumenical outreach ministry to the poor in West Chester, Pa. He was a member of St. Francis-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Malvern.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; two sons, Timothy Cashon of Philadelphia, Pa., Matthew Cashon of Malvern; his parents, Elzie and Lorene Cashon of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Marilyn Cashon of Jefferson City; and a brother, Alvin Cashon of San Jose, Calif.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis-in-the-Fields Church.

Friends may call at the church from 7-9 p.m. today.

Mauger/Givnish Funeral Home in Malvern is in charge of arrangements.