Gary Edwin Mathes, age 77, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville, under the care of EveryStep Hospice.
Gary was born on August 9, 1949, in Centerville, IA, to Lloyd Dain and Beulah “Eloise” (Marvin) Mathes. He grew up in Centerville and graduated from Centerville High School. Following school, Gary served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam as a combat engineer, where he built bridges. After returning home from the service, Gary furthered his education by studying Auto Mechanics at Indian Hills Community College. Gary later worked at a hog confinement in Missouri before returning to work in Centerville as a machine operator at Iowa Steel and Wire.
Gary had an appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved floating down the river with friends, which he fondly referred to as “Do-Dah Days.” Gary had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with others. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Rummy and penny poker.
Gary is survived by a daughter, Darcy; a son, Thad; his siblings, Kenneth Mathes, Karen (David) Vandemark, and Teresa (Darrin) Kirkland; his grandchildren; nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews; and aunts and uncles, Virginia “Jenny” (Vaughn) Ruth, Diane (Tom) Bogle, Roger (Beck) Marvin, and Shirley Mathes.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Eloise; a nephew, Kenneth “Sonny” Mathes Jr.; and several extended family members.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Dale Church in Centerville, IA, with Gary’s family present to greet family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Dale Church in Centerville, with Pastor Rod Campbell officiating. Military honors will follow services at the church. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
An open memorial has been established to the family.
