Gary O'LearyWaukeeA man of inspiring strength and courage, Gary Lee O'Leary, 59, was called home to Glory on October 15, 2017 after a 4-year battle with cancer. Gary will be remembered for his unfailing faith, his eternal optimism and strength, and ever-present smile that accompanied him even when the journey was hard. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Carolyn, and his children Brian (Jorie) and Rachelle. Gary will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Aubrey and Reece, by his brothers David (Debra) and Michael (Diana), and by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends, and faithful dogs, Ivan and Izzie. Gary was predeceased by his father and mother, Doyle and Betty O'Leary.Gary was born on September 30, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa. A graduate of Johnston High School and DMACC, Gary was employed 13 years by Pioneer and over 20 years of road transport. He concluded his career at FedEx Freight, where he was a recipient of the FedEx Humanitarian Award. Gary was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope Waukee and volunteered for the mentoring program, Dream Team Des Moines. The Iowa State Fair, where he and Carolyn had their first date, was a yearly much-anticipated summer tradition. Gary was also an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Vikings fan, and enjoyed fishing, camping and vacationing with family.A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held at Merle Hay Funeral Home on Friday, October 20th at 10am. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, October 19th from 4-7pm and one hour before the service. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens.Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Gary to the www.cancer.org/donate or the Des Moines Dream Team http://dreamteamdesmoines.org.