Gary DeBow
August 17, 1949 ~ December 14, 2020
Gary DeBow, 71, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday, December 14, 2020, at St. Luke's Hospital. Graveside Gathering: 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include his daughters, Krystal DeBow and Kimberly DeBow; grandchildren, Isaiah, Cierrah, Caelestis, Sebastian, Aurelia, Joseph, and Taja, Takoda, and Iverson; former spouse, Brenda DeBow; siblings, Larry DeBow and Bruce (Shawn) DeBow; and beloved dog, Scruffles.
Gary Chris DeBow was born August 17, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, to Albert and Margaret (Shaffner) DeBow. He attended Marion High School where he played football and was named into the hall of fame for wrestling, undefeated'a title still on display. He later earned his Bachelor's from Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State) in Kirksville, Missouri. He recently retired from Quaker Oats after 15 years. Gary enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and attending or watching Hawkeye sports'especially football (he may have been known to yell at the TV sometimes). He was a great cook, known for his chicken dumplings and tasty omelettes, and enjoyed making his mother's buttermilk spice cake recipe. Gary inspired Krystal and Kim in their endeavors with playing violin and basketball, respectively.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronnie; and granddaughter, Acadia.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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I’m so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you in the days ahead. I met Gary at the Gazette delivering papers he seemed like a loving caring person for his family.
I grew up across the street from Gary. We spent a lot of time together during our grade school years, playing ball, flashlight tag, hunting nightcrawlers, and going on hikes to what is now Squaw Creek Park. Though I was a grade behind him he always treated me like an equal, like a friend. He was a genuinely nice guy. My condolences for your loss.
Krystal & Kim, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all my love and strength. Barbara Piper
Gary was a great guy. He was always happy and fun to be around. He loved going to the farm with Bruce and the boys. Being outside and taking the boat out on the river were the boys favorite thing to do with Gary. My favorite was sitting around the fire and listening to him play his guitar. We will all miss him so much Love Shawn Debow