Gary Lavern Willoughby

Gary Lavern Willoughby, 70, passed away on January 17, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa. The family will greet guests from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Gary will be interred in Dallas Cemetery.
Gary was born on August 15, 1954, in Knoxville, Iowa, to Lloyd and Frances Jean (Mix) Willoughby He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He worked for John Deere as a welder, retiring after 30 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking, creating beautiful pieces that were cherished by family and friends. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton, where he served as head elder and played keyboard for the church choir. Gary's faith was a fundamental part of his life.
Gary's passion for sports was evident throughout his life. He spent many years supporting local athletics, including running the chain gang for Melcher-Dallas football games and managing the clock for basketball games. He was proud of his chain gang crew being chosen to work at the State Championship game in Cedar Falls. He coached his children through Melcher-Dallas Little League as well, and donated countless hours to the organization. Gary was an ardent fan of Duke basketball, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Many trips were taken to bowl games to watch his beloved Hawkeyes play.
Gary also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved camping with his family, frequently traveling to Lake Okoboji in the family RV. His adventurous spirit led him to visit forty-eight of the fifty states, each journey adding to his wealth of experiences. Gary's personality was marked by a strong will and a love of debate. He was never afraid to speak his mind, and those who knew him best appreciated his thoughtfulness and unwavering convictions. Above all, Gary cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. His love and dedication to them were central to his life
Gary is survived by his parents, Lloyd and Jean; his beloved wife of 50 years, Lynn; children: Nelson (Corrie) Willoughby, Aaron (Sarah) Willoughby, and Neil (Sarah) Willoughby; brothers, Lary (Kathy) Willoughby and Craig (Becky) Willoughby; sister, Tonya (Dave) Cooper, six grandchildren: Isaac, Dyanna, Levi, Trevor, Levi, and Creek; sisters in-law, Sue Willoughby and Kathy Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Perry Willoughby; mother and father in-law, Clair and Virginia Hatfield; brother in-law, Jay Smith; and a nephew, Jon Willoughby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church in Chariton, the Melcher-Dallas Fire Department, or Melcher-Dallas Little League.