Gary Blaylock

GARY M. BLAYLOCK

North English

Gary M. Blaylock was born Feb. 28, 1943, in Kinross, Iowa, the son of Marvin Franklin and Jessie Irene (Edmundson) Blaylock. He attended Kinross School through eighth grade, graduated from North English High School in 1961 and attended Iowa State University for agriculture. While in high school, he played basketball and football. After graduating from high school, Gary managed the F. Plank Seed Co. for four years, before farming in Kinross until 1985. He drove a school bus for English Valleys schools, drove for the University of Iowa Hospitals Transportation Department until 2010 and then worked for Billion Auto for seven years. On July 5, 1975, Gary was united in marriage to Sandra J. Beach-Parmenter in Kinross. He was a former member of the Kinross Christian Church, an English Valleys School Board member for many years and a 50-plus-year member of the Farmers Lodge #168 in Kinross. He received a 25-year award for his service as a high school sports official. Gary was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He enjoyed visiting with his friends at the Liars Club and the EV History Center and participating in parades all over with his covered wagon and team of Belgian horses. He enjoyed his horses and trail rides, fishing, deer and coyote hunting, playing practical jokes and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Gary died on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City at the age of 74 years.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy of North English; four children, Greg (Brenda Andrews) Parmenter of LaBelle, Fla., Kevin (Shelli) Parmenter of Overland Park, Kan., Jody (Keith Doepker) Blaylock-Moler of Overland Park, Kan., and David Jo (Jennifer) Blaylock of North English; a daughter-in-law, Shelly Blaylock of Tiffin; 13 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; a sister, Karyl (Bill) Miller of Washington; two brothers, Mike (Margaret) Blaylock of North English and Pat (Michelle) Blaylock of Fairfax Station, Va.; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Gent of Williamsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Robin Blaylock; and a sister, Karen Gent.

Celebration of life memorial service will be held at

6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. Visitation will be on Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the North English Fire Department and QRS. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.