Services for Gary Paul Alexander, 72, of Norwalk, who passed away Monday, February 24, 2020, in Des Moines, will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 27, 2020, at the Norwalk United Methodist Church, with burial following in the Norwalk Cemetery.

Gary graduated from Norwalk High School in 1966 and joined the United States Navy later that year.  He served in Vietnam for over 3 years, much of the time on Swift Boats in the rivers.  When he returned from the service, he married the love of his life, Patty Essick and they would have been married 49 years on February 27, 2020.  To this union were born three children.

Gary worked for Massey Ferguson, both in Des Moines and Detroit, and then Dee Zee Manufacturing in Des Moines.

Gary loved his family and friends and enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and all 8 seasons of the Andy Griffith show with Barney Fife.  He had seen all episodes multiple times and still laughed at each one as though this was the first time he had seen it.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved long rides in the country on gravel roads.

Gary is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Ryan (Melisa) Alexander, Matt (Jen) Alexander and Missy (Jeff) Smith; grandchildren, Mackenzie Alexander, Gary "Little Man" Alexander, Lily Smith, Nick Alexander, Derek Alexander, and Jack Smith; mother, Norma Alexander; siblings, Bob (Carla) Alexander, Steve (Sara Tew) Alexander, Shelley Alexander and Dave (Joyce) Alexander. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Alexander.

Visitation will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.  Memorials may be given, in Gary's name, to the Cumming American Legion Post #562.