Gary T. JonesDes MoinesGary T. Jones, 72, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2017. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017, at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel from 1:30 to 3 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Gary's life at 3 p.m. Gary was born on June 26, 1944, to Thomas and Gertrude (Coellner) Jones. He lived in Des Moines most of his life, graduating from North High School in 1962 and from Drake University in 1970, with a degree in Political Science. Gary served his country for six years as a Military Policeman in the Iowa National Guard and in the regular U.S. Army. He was employed by Firestone during college. His post-college career was in the insurance industry, in Des Moines and Chicago, where he worked as an Underwriter, an Agent, and a Marketing Representative/Field Supervisor.Gary was an avid collector of 1950's memorabilia. He loved cars, especially classic Chevys and he was a member of the Tri-Five Chevy Club (later, Classic Chevys of Central Iowa.) Gary was a gifted carpenter, a stained glass artist, and an all-around handyman. Rarely did he come across something that he couldn't fix or improve in some way. As a fan of Hollywood's Golden Age of movies, Gary could carry on long conversations about classic films and the stars that appeared in them. If you had questions about military history, Gary was well-read in this area and could answer any and all questions. He loved animals of all kinds, especially dogs, and he treated his friends' and neighbors' dogs as if they were his own. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law, Glenn and Wanda Van Loon, and his nephew, Gary Todd Jones. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Linda; brothers, Eugene (Sue) and Dwight (Jolene); three nieces, Jody Jones, Julie (Ben) Cottrell and Marne Jones (Paul Bueller); two nephews, Joe (Kristine) Fisher and Jeff Fisher; and three great-nephews, Caleb and Jack Jones and Maxon Fisher. He will be deeply missed by all, including a host of relatives and friends. Gary never knew a stranger.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Story County Animal Shelter or the . Online condolences and memories of Gary may be shared at
www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.
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