Gary Burress

Gary Burress
Des Moines, Iowa


Gary Burress passed away on April Fool’s Day 2025 (we desperately wish this was a joke) from complications of prostate cancer.

Gary grew up in Kansas, Louisiana and Davenport and later followed his family to Des Moines where he lived the rest of his life making his little corner of the world a better place.

Gary graduated from Davenport Central High School in 1966. After starting auto mechanic school, he enlisted in the US Air Force as an airplane mechanic, spending time in Hawaii, Arizona, Texas and Thailand. He was a member of the 357th Squadron, the Long Tongue Dragons.

Back in Des Moines he met his wife Alice in 1980 at Sunday School at Grace United Methodist Church and were married there in 1982. Gary loved Alice as only he could, with a deep patience and appreciation for her quirks, which his daughters promise to carry on.

Gary was quickly initiated into the Girl Dads Club in 1984 with Jen and reupped his membership in 1987 with Amy and 1989 with Emily. His girls never wondered if he wished he had had a son. The rest of his life centered around his family, being his girls’ biggest cheerleader, enjoying whatever they were up to and making friends along the way. He taught his daughters to play catch, to use power tools, to drive, to fish and a million other precious lessons. He was endlessly interested in what they were up to, into and doing, never shying away from driving however far to be with them in big and small moments.

Because he was one of the best Girl Dads Club members in history, he joined the Best Papas in the World Club in 2013 with Henry, welcomed Michael and Elliot in 2015 and Miles in 2019. He loved his boys and never missed an opportunity to show up for their events or tell them that he loved them.

Gary loved the simple stuff: classic cars, an aimless drive, good food, a big pop and people. Church and faith were a guiding light in his life. Always helping where needed, teaching Sunday School, working at camp, leading youth group, singing in the choir and being a friendly face to people who needed it probably more than he ever knew. More than what he did for and at church, his faith shone the brightest in who he was, how he treated others and his outlook on life.

Gary was at the core, good natured, demonstrating kindness and patience in all kinds of situations and reminding those close to him not to sweat the small stuff. His legacy is his love, a love that not everyone gets to experience, but that is seeped deep in the bones of those he loved.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of almost 43 years, Alice; daughters, Jen (Josh) Hibben, Amy (Jeff) Gullion and Emily Burress; grandsons, Michael Gullion, Henry Hibben, Elliot Hibben and Miles Hibben; sisters, Linda (Lou) Gorz and Pam Burress; nieces and nephews, Luke (Jill) Gorz, Noah Gorz, Fox Lively, Kaylee Wellman, Hannah Garrison, Bekah (Graeme) Molloy, Micah (Heather) Garrison, Sarah (Michael) Schinstock, Kenneth (DeeDee) Lecky and Alex Lecky; his four legged furry friend, Clark Griswald and other loving relatives and many special friends.

In addition to his parents, Howard and Betty Burress, he was also preceded in death by his son, Matthew Burress and his parents-in-law, Jim and Willa Lecky.

Family will greet guests on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street, Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., at the church. Gary will be laid to rest on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at Highland Memory Gardens, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to either, Immanuel United Methodist Church, 2900 49th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50310 or The Vine Campus Ministry Costa Rica Trip, c/o Collegiate Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1006, Ames, Iowa 50014.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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