Gary Cory
March 18, 2020
Gary Cory, 69, passed away March 18, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. He was born September 9, 1950, in Des Moines, the son of Dale and Vera Cory.
Gary proudly served in the Iowa National Guard for 28 years and with the Polk City Fire Department for 26 years.
A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Gary cherished his family and their time together. He never missed a ball game or his grandchildren’s numerous activities. Gary enjoyed camping and wintering in Yuma, AZ where many lifelong friendships were created.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Janice; sons, Tim (Stephanie) Cory of Polk City and Troy (Alecia) Cory of Pleasant Hill; 6 grandchildren, Kyle Cory, Kayla Cory, Austin Cory, Dylan Cory, Dalton Scott and Chloe Cory; as well as his siblings, Diane (Roger) McHone, Ned (Theresa) Cory, and Julie (CJ) Kulish.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Vera Cory; son, Tommy Cory; brother, Gene Cory; and aunt, Veda Dyer.
The family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines. A private service will be held at Lincoln Cemetery with a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in loving memory of Gary.
Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Vicki Johnsen Kooker
03/21/2020
Prayers of peace and comfort for Chief Cory's family. Great soldier, a man of his word. God bless.
Linda & Peter King
03/20/2020
What a great guy. Everything you read about this man is so true. We are thankful we got to know him and Janice. We miss his bike ride chats.
Charlie Husak
03/20/2020
Gary is very special to me. Always so supportive. An example of integrity, character and loyalty. Polk City Is blessed this man landed here. So thankful. Janice, Tim, Troy and family... May the Lord bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, turn toward you and give you peace!
Pastor Mark Schwalenberg
03/20/2020
Gods grace and peace to you and your family.
Christopher M Carl
03/20/2020
Gary Cory was an amazing man. He taught me so much about Army logistics and more importantly about life lessons. My familie's prayers go out to you and your family. You will be missed Mr. Cory. Truly.
Kevin Moenkhaus
03/20/2020
So many things about Gary that I will miss. His kindness, his calm, disarming nature, his dedication to the community, and absolutely his sense of humor. The affectionate nicknames he gave me as a kid, well, they still made me smile 30 years later when I'd bump into him around town. God bless you, Gary. Troy and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry Whetstone
03/20/2020
My thoughts and prayers are for the family. Gary was a good chief to work with because he would do anything that needed to be done.
Melissa Johnson
03/20/2020
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked with Gary in the Guard and he was one of the best.
Bucky Carlson & Joyce McCarty
03/20/2020
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Gary will be missed and remembered by all that knew him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ron and Billie Jo Cory
03/20/2020
We are so very sorry for your familys loss. This world is a better place because Gary was here. We pray that you all will feel the loving arms of Jesus holding you tight and brings only happy memories to mind.
Norma Davis
03/20/2020
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with you Janice and your family
Bill and Sharon Slagle
03/20/2020
Our deepest sympathy to family of Gary. Prayers for all.
Michelle Brower
03/20/2020
SO very sorry! I hold your family in my prayers right now. Enough already! Gary was such a character! Makes me smile thinking of him. Prayers for peace and hugs for all of you!
Tammy Butters
03/20/2020
My deepest sympathy to Jan and your family. You are in my prayers. Gary was a good man and will be missed. I will miss his smiling face in the office.
David Reed
03/20/2020
I am so saddened about this. A wonderful man in many ways RIP Gary