Gary Dean Billings, 85, of Donnellson, Iowa, passed away at 5:20 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
He was born on November 28, 1937, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Francis Emmett and Thelma Lee (Cox) Billings. On June 8, 1963, he married Barbara Ann Rempe in Nauvoo, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife: Barabara; two sons: Rickey Dean (Rachelle) Billings of Iowa City, Iowa, Rodney Eugene (Wanda) Billings of Donnellson, Iowa; one daughter: Fleeta LeAnn Billings of Donnellson, Iowa; grandchildren: Donnie (Laura) McDowell, Brooke (Jerry) Etter, Erica (Stephen) Silvers, Drew Billings, Zachary Billings, Marshall Billings, Colton Morill and Talon Morill.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Gene Elliott Billings and Lee Francis Billings.
Gary was a graduate of Argyle High School. He served in the United States Army Reserves and retired from Armour Dial. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving missions for the church from 1960 to 1962 in northern California. Later, he and his family served a mission for the Keosauqua branch for fifteen years. Gary owned and operated Chula Vista Coach and Carriage, giving horse and carriage rides at Hotel Nauvoo. He also gave horse and pony carriage rides throughout the Midwest. One of the things Gary enjoyed doing most was making walking canes.
His body has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Home for cremation.
A visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Friday, April 14, 2023, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Donnellson, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Fort Madison with Bishop Jonathan Robbins officiating.
Burial will be at a later date.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Donnellson Genealogy Department.
Schmitz Funeral Home of Donnellson is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.