Gary Raymond McMaster

Gary Raymond McMaster, age 80, of Urbandale, passed away on October 24, 2023. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Born Gary Raymond Larpenter on June 23, 1943, he was the son of Dayton and Cleone (Barnes) Larpenter. In 1959, he was adopted, along with his brother David and sister Linda, by Paul and Mary Jane McMaster. Gary grew up on the Eastside of Des Moines and was a graduate of Tech High School. After attending Grandview College for two years, he served his country in the Air Force Reserves based in Iowa during the Vietnam War. After serving in the military, Gary had a long career in business and insurance sales and service, finishing his career at The Dana Company in West Des Moines. He loved his work and helping others so much that he retired in 2021 at age 78.
Gary was united in marriage with Carol Ann Petersen on December 27, 1969 in St. Ansgar, Iowa and together they raised two daughters, one son, and five dogs.
He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Carol; children, Kristan (Robert) Baker, Melissa McMaster, and Erik McMaster; brother, David McMaster; five grandchildren; and, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
Gary loved country music, his dog, Oreo, the Iowa State Fair, watching his grandkids play sports, and fishing. He was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Urbandale.
Gary will always be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor, wisdom, resilience, and Dad/Grandpa jokes. He was a very special husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved.