Gary 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; six
grandchildren: Isaac, Dyanna, Trevor, Levi, Levi, and Creek; and many nieces and
nephews.
Gary 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.