Gary "Punki" Crowell's Obituary
Gary 'Punki' Crowell, age 73, of Centerville, Iowa, died Thursday, April 23, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. He was born the son of Donald and Mary (Casteel) Crowell on February 8, 1942, in Centerville. He graduated from Centerville High in 1960, and then attended Centerville Community College, eventually earning his Bachelor's degree in industrial arts and Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri. On October 26, 1974, he was united in marriage to Margueritte 'Margie' Sacco at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. He taught Industrial Arts in Canton, MO, and at Howar Jr. High in Centerville. He was high school guidance counselor in Orion, IL, for 24 years, during which time he was also co-owner of the Driftwood Supper Club in Avon, IL. Following his retirement from Orion, he was guidance counselor at Albia High School and later, Indian Hills Community College at the Centerville campus until his retirement in 2005. He attended St. Mary's Catholic Church in Centerville. Punki enjoyed golfing, walking, boating, playing cards, bowling, woodworking, NASCAR racing, Iowa State University sporting events, traveling, taking care of his home/acreage and spending time with family and friends. He loved telling stories and never met a stranger. He was a past member of the Centerville Country Club and current member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. People remember Punki as driving his vintage, orange Corvette in many Pancake Day parades, and he particularly enjoyed building floats for his grandchildren.He was preceded in death by: his parents; and brother, Larry Crowell Punki is survived by his wife, Margie Crowell of Centerville; son, Travis Crowell and his wife, Amanda of Davenport; daughter, Tatum Marcussen and her husband, Randy of Centerville; four grandchildren: Justin, Nolan and Conner Crowell and Blythe Marcussen. He also is survived by mother-in-law, Helen Sacco, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Bobby Sowder, all of Centerville, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and of course his beloved Beagle, Freddie. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Bill Hubmann officiating. Burial will follow at the Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. Visitation will be from 1 pm until 8 pm, Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with family present from 6-8 p.m.A memorial scholarship fund will be established for a Centerville High School student attending college and can be left or mailed to the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary "Punki" Crowell please visit our Sympathy Store.
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