Gary Thurston

Gary Dean Thurston was born on November 10, 1947, in Fort Dodge. He was raised and educated in Pioneer, graduating from Gilmore High School in 1966. In 1966, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge in 1970. He lived in Pioneer, and then in Cresco, IA for 22 years until moving to Fort Dodge in 2001. Gary was a semi driver for 25 years, he drove for Crouse Cartage Company, he retired in 2000. On December 12, 2006, he was united in marriage to Sandra Sommerfeld the couple established their home in Fort Dodge.

He was a member of Faith Community Church in Palmer, IA. He was also a member of the American Legion, DAV Chapter 29 Fort Dodge, Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW, and the Teamsters Union.

Gary enjoyed collecting old cars and loved cats. He was known as the “Cat Whisperer.”

Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Deana (Mike) Hayek of Laurens, IA; granddaughter, Dairian (Josh) Ruiz of Pleasant Hill, IA and a grandson, Devin Rice of Laurens, IA; stepdaughters, Shelly Webb of Hampton, IA and Angie Webb of Clear Lake, IA; stepgrandchildren, Kailey Tubbs, Chelsie Tubbs, Alex Tubbs, Jazmine Odor, Carson Odor, Brayden Louk, Emma Webb, and Ethan Webb, ; one great-granddaughter, Alianna Ruiz. He is also survived by two sisters, Julia LaBume of Harcourt, IA and Francis Stauffer of Pocahontas, IA.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, James and Vilda (Thompson) Thurston, brothers, Jimmy, Danny, Kenny, and a sister, Sandra.

Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.