AMES, Iowa—Gary R. Feakes, age 82 of Ames, and formerly of Boone, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at Mercy One Medical Center. A private family service will be at Stevens Memorial Chapel in Ames with burial will follow at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone.
Gary was born on January 3, 1941. He was the first baby born in Story County that year to Alberta and Melvin Feakes Sr. He was later adopted by his grandparents, Art and Nora Feakes in Grand Junction, Iowa.
Gary was united in marriage to Karen Kay Carlson on September 21, 1962, in Boone. They had two children, Timothy Richard, and Tamara Kay.
Gary was employed by Iowa State University for 31 years as supervisor of Transportation Services, and every Saturday at Condon’s in Boone. After retirement, he enjoyed babysitting and playing with his two grandchildren, Aja Skye, and Mason Charles Porter. He especially enjoyed playing with Legos and Lincoln Logs when they were young. For the past several years he enjoyed walking at the mall and Walmart. His biggest goal was to live long enough to see his grandson, Mason, graduate from Iowa State University in December 2022.
Gary was a simple man who lived a simple life and told great stories of his childhood adventures. He survived diabetes for over 55 years and tried never to complain about the constant pain he was in.
Gary will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 60 years, Karen of Ames; his son, Tim Feakes of Belleville, Illinois; daughter, Tammy (Scott) Porter of Boone; and grandchildren Aja and Mason of Ames. He kept in contact with his sister, Sandra Finley. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and several siblings.
Memorial donations may be sent to Stevens Memorial Chapel to be directed to the family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StevensMemorialChapel.com for the Feakes family.
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