Gary Lee DUBOIS

Gary Lee DuBois passed away on the 7th of August 2024 in Evansville, IN. He has resided there for the past two years. Gary was born on the 6th of May 1940 in Peoria, IL to Dorothy Lee and Robert W. DuBois. He graduated from Bremen High School, Class of 1958 where he was varsity quarterback and played varsity basketball and baseball. Gary was also sophomore and junior class president and a member of the "B' club for varsity lettermen every year at Bremen.

His love of athletics began early on, winning the title of Mister Biddy Basketball and continuing to his college career at University of South Dakota on a football scholarship. He graduated from Illinois State with a Bachelors in Science followed by a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago.

Gary entered into his professional career at Thornton HS where he taught Industrial Arts. He left the education sector for the corporate world with Western Electric and then Continental Can as an assistant plant manager. Gary accepted an opportunity as plant manager with Boise Cascade which moved him and his family from Illinois to Georgia, Pennsylvania, and then Florida. After leaving Boise Cascade, Gary became a small business owner until returning to the workforce as plant manager at Western Lithotech until his retirement. After retirement he returned to education in the St Charles Public Schools as an ESE assistant, which he enjoyed tremendously and found a true calling. Gary was never one to sit still; in his free time he had many volunteer positions such as President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) in Riverside, IL, Chairman of Deacons, and Elder of his church in First Baptist Church of Harvester in MO where he attended for over 30 years.

Gary loved the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears no matter what their season had to offer. Growing up, Gary enthusiastically attended Cubs games (often double headers) at Wrigley Field with his family. Gary was a huge fan of Elvis (and did a mean imitation of him), the Kingston Trio, Pete Seeger etc. He was a self taught banjo player, and often played during neighborhood parties in the 70's when "dueling banjos" was popular . He had an uncanny, quick wit and a one-liner for everyone. Word games in the car on family trips were a must. Extended family gatherings at his parents' home were often a festival of puns, jokes, and black olives disappearing from the garnish tray (much to his mom's chagrin). He loved camping and fishing, especially his annual trip to Canada with his buddies in the 70's.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rev. Ted DuBois, and his granddaughter Kati Fisher. He is survived by his wife Glenda DuBois née Romine, sister JoAnne DuBois Huff, sister in law Kay DuBois; daughters Kim DuBois-Weber (Paul), Kelly Wexler (Steve); Grandchildren Caroline DuBois-Weber, Paul Christian DuBois-Weber, Sara Wexler, Ryan Wexler, Max Wexler, Nick Fisher, Drew Fisher and Dillon Fisher; Step-daughters Nancy Fisher (Bob), Dodie Walker Bailey (Ray), Kellie Walker Hurlong (Michael); Nieces and Nephews Tammy DuBois, Todd DuBois (Stacey), Joel DuBois, Carrie Murphy (Brian) ; Cousins and college roommate.

In conversations with his granddaughter, Gary frequently shared how proud he was of his church's involvement with Habitat for Humanity. He said "everyone deserves a seat at God's table and who am I to judge who that is." If you would like to make a donation in his honor and memory, his family is kindly requesting that donations be sent to Habitat for Humanity at the link below. https://firstpresftl.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/69eac269-e8d8-47c9-b545-b9b1b7a48c23 or mail donations to The first Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale 401 Southeast 15th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301(write in the memo line Habitat for Humanity in memory of Gary).