Gary G. Huxford

Gary Huxford, 83 of Marengo, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, October 1st,2025 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with his family at his side. Gary was born on July 28th, 1942 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of George and Ruth(Lackey) Huxford. He was a 1960 graduate of Newton High School, where he participated in band, orchestra, and choir. Gary was a member of the 1959 Iowa All-State orchestra on the trumpet. Gary also pitched for the Newton baseball team throughout high school.

Gary attended the University of Iowa and was a member of the Iowa Hawkeye marching band from 1960-65. He received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Iowa. While at Iowa, he was a member of the symphony band which toured western Europe and the Soviet Union for 3 months during 1966. It was during this experience that he met his wife, band member Judy Newport. Gary and Judy celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary in September 2025.

Gary’s teaching career included 2 years in Centerville, Iowa as the junior high band director followed by 26 years at Iowa Valley in Marengo as the junior high and high school band director. In between these 2 teaching jobs, Gary was a member of the United States Air Force Strategic Air Command Band from 1968-1972. Upon retiring as a full-time teacher at Iowa Valley, Gary served as the band director at Deep River-Millersburg elementary school from 2001-2009.

In addition to being a long-time member of the Marengo Public Library board and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Marengo, Gary directed and played trumpet in the Marengo Civil War Band for over 20 years. He also directed the What Cheer Winds Concert Band from 2006-2019, and he and Judy hosted 36 annual marble collector’s shows. Gary’s passions included music, sports and traveling. He and Judy visited all 50 states and 31 countries during their marriage.

Gary is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife, Judy, and his sons, Kyle(Shelly) Huxford of Cedar Rapids and Derek Huxford of Des Moines. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and are as follows: Hannah Buswell, Rachel (Eric) Schmucker, Chloe Buswell, Noah Huxford, Aubrey Huxford, Whitley Huxford (grandchildren), Penelope Paulsen and Vincent Marrero(great grandchildren). Gary was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Darlene Hill.

Gary was a very caring person with a great sense of humor. His family will miss the many holiday meals with Gary, laced with laughter and fond memories of good times and vacation experiences.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, October 7th at the First Presbyterian Church of Marengo, Iowa, and a visitation will be held at the same location on Monday, October 6th from 4-7 PM. Memorials may be sent in Gary’s name to the Iowa Valley Music Department at 359 E. Hilton St., Marengo, Iowa 52301, or to the Marengo Public Library, 235 E. Hilton St., Marengo, Iowa 52301. Powell Funeral Home in Marengo is caring for Gary and his family. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com