Gary L. Hougham

On January 12, 2024, Gary Lee Hougham passed away peacefully at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA. Gary had been battling a number of health issues over the last two years and could not continue his fight any longer.
Gary was born in Adel, IA on June 11, 1940, to Ralph and Velma Hougham. Growing up, he lived in Winterset, Des Moines and Urbandale. He made many life-long friends at Urbandale High School. He met Sharon Lee Mauk in 1961 at George the Chili King Drive-In. They were married on October 8, 1961, and soon started their family. David was born in 1962 and then Daniel in 1966.
Over his career, Gary worked at Long's Auto Parts, Iowa Parcel Service and Adventure Lighting. He retired from Adventure Lighting after 22 years of service as Vice-President of Operations. In his retirement, Gary kept busy with his meticulous yard work where no weed was safe. His other passion was restoring and maintaining classic cars. His favorite was the Red 1964 and a half Mustang. During the summer months, he would join all his friends for weekly car nights around town with his favorite being Thursday nights at Bennigan's on Merle Hay.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon and their two sons Dave (Joni) and Dan (Renée) plus five grand-children and three great grand-children; Brothers Dennis (Karla), Steve (Robin), Mark (Jan) and sister-in-law Judy Hougham; Brother-in-law Larry Mauk (Sonja). He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Velma and brother Paul Ray Hougham.
There will be a private burial at Panther Creek Cemetery in Adel, IA later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association and Taylor House Hospice.
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