Gareth D. "Gary" Downey, 82, of Hudson, died Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

He was born November 23, 1939, in Eldora, son of Dale and Oda Larsen Downey. He graduated from Hudson High School in 1957. He served in the United States Navy from 1957-1960. He was stationed in Key West, Florida, and served on a submarine that patrolled the Mediterranean Sea during the height of the Cold War. After his release from active duty, he returned to Iowa. He married Sharon "Shari" Yockstick November 9, 1962, at Hudson United Methodist Church.

Gary started the HVAC program at Hawkeye Tech and was an instructor there for 27 years. He helped write the curriculum for nationwide HVAC training. He also owned and operated the Phillips 66 gas station in Hudson and also worked as a Sears repairman.

He was a member of Community Church of Hudson for 79 years and a longtime member of Hudson AMVETS Post 82. He also served on the Hudson school board and city council, was a member of the HMEU board, National Cattle Congress Board, and was president of both the Iowa Saddle Club Association and Iowa Pony Express.

Gary is survived by his wife, Shari of Hudson; three children, Jordan "Jordy" (Phyllis) Downey of Palm City, FL, Troy Downey of Hudson, and Shawn (Jeff) Kramer of Union, KY; seven grandchildren, Charmayne Ford, Travis Downey, Austin (Amanda) Kramer, Bryce Kramer, Chance Kramer, Stacey (Collin) Foxx, and Melissa (Bruce) Higgins; and five great-grandchildren, Kastor Ford, Hudson Downey, Dylen Foxx, Josh Foxx, and Alex Lewis.

He enjoyed riding horses and having conversations with friends and family. He also was an ardent card player, most notably pepper. He would help anyone with anything. Above all, he loved his family. He adored his beloved wife, Shari, and his eyes would light up anytime she came in the room. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their events.

Memorial services 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 31 at Community Church of Hudson, where military honors will be conducted by Hudson AMVETS Post 82 honor guard and US Navy funeral honor guard. Private family burial at Hudson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 30 at Locke at Tower Park, Waterloo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Church of Hudson or the family. Visit www.lockefuneralservices.com for more. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, 319-233-3146.