Gary Crow's Obituary
Gary Crow, age 74, passed away January 12, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville following a brave battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Kenneth Mehrhoff officiating. Visitation will be after 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14th with family receiving friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Sharon Chapel Cemetery southeast of Centerville. Memorials can be made to the Sharon Chapel Cemetery Association. Condolences for the family may be left at www.thomasfh.com Gary was born October 12, 1940 in Centerville the son of Charley Virgil & Cyrena Irene (McCoy) Crow. Gary spent his entire life in Appanoose County. He received his early childhood education at Eureka Country School and graduated from Centerville High School, class of 1958. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Ruth Heaivilin on August 6, 1961 at Sharon Chapel Church southeast of Centerville. He and Marilyn lived on a farm southeast of Centerville where they raised their five children. Gary was a farmer his entire life and an avid outdoorsman. During high school Gary was a member of the FFA and raised purebred Suffolk sheep. As an adult he went on to run his own farm & livestock operation, did custom farm work & was always there to help a friend or neighbor when in need. He and Marilyn had a bountiful garden each year sharing with family & friends and Gary was well known in the area for his delicious sweet corn crop. Gary was at his happiest when outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish, and taught that love to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his many trips to Minnesota, South Dakota, Michigan & Montana to hunt coon, prairie dogs, pheasant, elk, bear and turkey. Friends & family have many happy memories of both Gary & Marilyn on those hunting trips. Gary also enjoyed hunting coyotes, and fishing at the pond or river bottom often holding large family fish fries afterward. When not hunting or busy with farm work Gary & Marilyn enjoyed weekend evenings playing cards with friends and family, going to flea markets & auctions looking for a good antique bargain, and casino trips. He and Marilyn enjoyed many a trip to the casinos especially after Marilyn was diagnosed with cancer, he would "get a feeling" & get up even late at night & off they would go and usually came home with more in their pocket than they took with them. Gary was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his large family. He would teasingly say when the grandkids came to visit "bring them when you come but take them with you when you go ". He always had a nickname for everyone and that was how he showed his approval and acceptance of you. Friends were always welcome at the Crow house, Gary never knew a stranger. Gary will be deeply missed by his family and many friends left to mourn him. Gary is survived by his five children: James Eugene (Jim) & Lisa Crow, Terry Wayne & Paula Crow both of Centerville, Jerald Dean (Pete) & Christina Crow of Nevada IA, Billie Jo Piatt & Jason Smith and Bobbie Sue & Keane Maddy both of Mystic, along with 17 grandchildren & 10 great-grandchildren. Sisters Beverly Jewett (the late Dr. Stephen) & Jane (Doran) Hayes both of Centerville & Rebecca (Philip) Hinkle of Bella Vista AR; sister & brother in laws Bill & Bonnie McConnell of Waterloo IA and Jeraldine & Mike Scott of Des Moines IA; aunts Bernice Craver of Exline, Ruth Benz of Colorado, Louise McCoy of Centerville and Margie Watkins of Arizona; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his two very special canine companions Louie and Tater. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years Marilyn in 2011, his parents, his mother and father in law Madge (Beach) & Stanley Heaivilin, and an infant granddaughter Samantha Crow. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Crow please visit our Sympathy Store. Visitation JAN 14. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected] Funeral Service JAN 15. 10:30 AM (CST) Thomas Funeral Home - Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]
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