Gary K. Utter

Gary K. Utter, 69, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 6:57 p.m., Sunday, November 17, 2019 at home, surrounded by his wife and children.

He was born on April 1, 1950 in Beardstown, IL, the son of H. Carl and Naomi Utter. Gary was raised and educated in Rushville, IL, graduating from Rushville High School in 1968.  He later graduated from Western Illinois University in 1972.  Gary served in the Illinois National Guard for 6 years.

Gary married Lorna Woodside in Basco, IL, on June 14, 1969 and she survives.

He was employed as a raw materials procurement agent (hog buyer) for 38 years, working for Wilson Foods, IBP, and Tyson Foods.  Throughout his career, he built many friendships with area farmers.

For years, he was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Monmouth.  He was an avid sports fan who grew up playing baseball, and all that knew him were told of his broken-bat single hit off of Rick Reuschel.  In later years, he played fast-pitch softball, church league softball, and any neighborhood pick-up basketball game he could find.

Gary loved to attend any event in which his children or grandchildren participated….and he never missed a St. Louis Cardinals game.  He loved playing cards with his friends at Strom Center.  But most of all, Gary loved to spend time with his family.

Surviving Gary is his wife, Lorna Utter of Monmouth, IL; one son, Lance (Stephanie) Utter of Germantown Hills, IL; one daughter, Lynn (Chad Ashby) Halcomb of Monmouth, IL; four grandchildren, Jordan Utter of Germantown Hills, IL, Logan Ewing, Rileigh Ewing, and Kennedy Halcomb all of Monmouth, IL; one great grandson, Mason Ewing of Monmouth, IL; two brothers, Ron (Wanda) Utter of Colchester, IL, Darwin Utter of Rushville, IL; many nieces and nephews.  Also surviving are special family friends, Dave & Debbie Fisher of Monmouth, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2019 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Interment of his ashes will be in Basco, IL at a later date.  Memorials can be made to the First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, Harvest Bible Church, and Strom Center.