Gary was born in Seattle, Washington; graduated from Indianola High School in 1969 and Iowa State University in 1974. He worked as an agronomist for DuPont Crop Protection for 23 years. He lived on a farm south of Indianola before moving to town two years ago. He enjoyed his family, gardening, and auto racing.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry of Indianola; sons, Scott (Angela) Sams of Altoona and Michael Sams of West Des Moines; mother, Margaret Sams of Indianola; sisters, Gayle (Glenn) Beckwith of Bangkok, Thailand and Karen (Steve) Carter of Indianola; and two grandchildren, Brooklyn and Peyton.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 8 p.m., Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola where family will be present to greet friends. Memorials may be given to Mission Outreach or Mercy Hospice in Johnston.