Gary Toombs

Gary William Toombs, a loving husband, dad, and grandpa, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at the age of 77. Gary was born on August 17, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late Robert Bland Toombs and the late Geraldine Janis (Zinn) Toombs.

On December 26, 1965, Gary married the love of his life, Elaine Counts. They were high school sweethearts and shared fifty-seven wonderful years together. Gary is survived by his wife, Elaine Toombs; two sons: Rodney Toombs (wife, Micah) and Russell "Russ" Toombs (wife, Nancy); five grandchildren: Michael Toombs, Jack Toombs (wife, Amanda), Jennifer Toombs Peirce (husband, Thomas), Josie Toombs Harris (husband, Michael), and Andrew Toombs and friend Lindsay Picha; six great grandchildren: Miles, Riley, Lucas, Jace, Lilyana, and Isaiah; four siblings: David Toombs (wife, Sandy), Diane Kimes, Steve Toombs, and Stanley Toombs (wife, Mickie). Gary also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his father and mother, Gary was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Patton.

Gary became a Christian when he was 13 years old while attending Bible school. He served the Lord working in both Potosi Southern Baptist Church and Grassy Hollow Baptist Church starting and RA Program for boys in both churches. Gary absolutely loved teaching them about the Lord and God’s word while having fun taking them camping, hiking and doing outdoors activities. Gary served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. Gary was a member of the American Legion, Post 265 of Potosi. After returning from the service in 1968, Gary went to work for Chrysler and retired after 30 years in the auto industry. After retirement, Gary and his best friend, Russell Breakfield, started doing odd jobs and worked together for several years. In later years, Gary completed odd jobs with his dear friend, Dave Gettinger. Gary was a talented wood worker and hand crafted several pieces of furniture. He was an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing at Jim Israel’s farm. He was not one to sit inside his house. Gary’s sons and grandchildren always thought he could fix anything. He was truly a blessing to his family and they will treasure every memory they have until the day they are reunited with him in Heaven.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 9 am until the time of his Funeral Service at 11 am held at DeClue Funeral Home. Interment and final prayers will follow at Grassy Hollow Cemetery with Military Honors presented by the United States Army. DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have served and ministered to the family of Mr. Gary Toombs.