It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Matthew Mullins on February 6, 2025, at the age of 70. He was born on April 20, 1954, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Garry grew up on the multi-generational family farm near Paton, IA and graduated from Paton-Churdan High School in 1972. After High School, he attended Lincoln Tech in Des Moines, IA where he studied Diesel and Automotive Repair. Garry then started his career as Diesel Mechanic for Farmland Industries in Duncombe, IA.
In 1995, Garry moved to McPherson, Kansas—following a work promotion—and worked as a shop foreman for Farmland and eventually CHS Trucking until 2010. Garry's work ethic was unmatched, always going above and beyond in every task he undertook. Garry finished out his career with McPherson Concrete as a concrete truck driver until his full retirement in 2019.
Throughout his life, Garry became not only a diesel expert but also a trusted advisor to friends, family, and acquaintances. He loved being able to share his skills and could diagnose a problem from a single conversation. Garry found joy in helping others, whether it was through his expertise in diesel mechanics or his willingness to lend a hand to friends and family.
Garry had a zest for life, evident in his love for cars, motorcycles, cigarettes, rum, pull-tab lottery tickets, and smoked meats. He owned and modified many American muscle cars, Ford Trucks, and motorcycles during his life. Garry also embarked on several cross-country motorcycle trips including a memorable solo trip to the New England coast in 2008. He’d often spend weekends cooking a large meal, caring for his lawn, supporting the VFW or American Legion, and sleeping through much of a NASCAR race.
Garry is survived by his two sons, Brian (Dawn) Mullins of Cedar Rapids, IA and Tomas (Michelle) Mullins of Des Moines, IA; his daughter, Holly (Bob) Diener of Sheboygan, WI; his siblings, Peggy (Ray) Wilber of Carlisle, IA and Dave (Chris) Mullins of Ankeny, IA; as well as four grandchildren (Jayne, Cadence, Aisley, and Matthew). He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Floyd and Ora Mullins, his siblings, Donna Mullins, Larry Mullins, and Wayne Mullins, and his closest friend Anna Mann.
An informal celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 23rd from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at the VFW in McPherson, KS. A visitation will be held at Palmer & Swank funeral home in Gowrie, IA at 10am on Tuesday, February 25th. The funeral service will begin at 11am followed by burial at the Dawson Township Cemetery west of Paton, IA.
Any memorial donations may be given to the McPherson VFW, Post 2715 or any VFW post of your choosing in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.