Gary Lynn Powell

Gary Lynn Powell

Gary Lynn Powell

Gary Lynn Powell
October 6, 1953 – September 18, 2016
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 62

Gary Powell, 62 of Montezuma passed away suddenly Sunday afternoon, September 18, 2016 at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.

On October 6, 1953, Donald Lee and Gaye Jardine Powell welcomed their second child and first son, Gary Lynn, into the world while living in Arco, Idaho. They brought him home to big sister, Merilyn, where they lived for just over a year before moving to Iowa, where little brother Marty was soon born.

Gary attended school in Des Moines all the way through high school, graduating from Lincoln High in 1971. Shortly after high school, he married Nancy Duffy (Parks) and that 17-year marriage resulted in Gary’s three incredible kids — Erika, Dallas and Blair. They were all blessed with his wicked sarcasm and his stunning good looks.

In his younger professional life Gary worked in sheet metal, winning awards all four years of his apprenticeship. Virtually his entire career was spent in sheet metal and duct systems work in Texas and California – first in labor and later, sales. His unique signature could be found on many projects over the years. In fact, his handwritten notes and lists will be one of those random things his kids will miss so much.

Out of work, Gary was an avid NASCAR and sports fan. You were virtually guaranteed to find him watching a race or some game on almost any weekend… probably in the kitchen… wearing a Texas Longhorns shirt or a California tank top, with a dish towel draped over his shoulder or tucked in his belt, while he created another culinary delight. Gary had discovered The Galloping Gourmet after major back surgery and a lengthy recovery at home as a child. That passion simmered and evolved over the years. His exhibition style of cooking entertained many friends and family on countless occasions. Even though his sense of smell mysteriously disappeared several years ago, his love of cooking never waned. Desserts, breads, casseroles, pastas… you name it, he would try it for you. Cooking for others was of his greatest joys.

Celebrating his earthly life and carrying on the dreams and goals he was quietly so very proud of are his three children: Erika (& Nelson) Flores of Austin, TX, Dallas (& Shradha) Powell of Austin, TX and Blair (& Joey) Ahrens, of Montezuma; and 9 grandchildren: Erickson, Mackenzie, Chancelyn and Brooklyn, Ronan and Mila, and Karsen, Elijah and baby Evelyn. Pizza night will never, ever be the same.

Gary was preceeded in death by his parents, Don and Gaye, who are probably meeting him with a cocktail in the great beyond.

October 6, 1953 ~ September 18, 2016 … They say it’s all about the dash. We wish your dash had been longer, Dad. We will try to make you proud and we will miss you and love you forever…. More.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 6:00 pm Thursday, September 22, 2016 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the family’s name.

Posted by on Sep 19 2016. Filed under Obituaries. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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