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Gary “Burrhead” McNichols, 67, of Creston, passed away June 21, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, June 28, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center with Gail Hood officiating. The family will receive friends 4–7 p.m., Thursday, June 27, at the funeral home. Gary was cremated and will be laid to rest in the Graceland Cemetery in Creston at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation. Memories and condolences for the family may be shared online at www.pearsonfunertalhomes.com.
Gary P. McNichols was born Feb. 14, 1957, to Henry Paul McNichols and Gladys Lucille Conklin in Creston. He liked to tell the story that they didn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day until he was born. Gary was educated in the Creston Public Schools and graduated from Creston High School with the class of 1975.
On Aug. 8, 1980, Gary was united in marriage to Carol Ann Giza. Together, the couple had two daughters: Jennifer Lyn and Heather Anne. Gary worked various jobs over the years, the longest being Union County Secondary Roads where he was an equipment operator, retiring in 2017. The very next day, he began working for Agrivision Equipment and retired again in 2021. Gary always had his own business, McNichols Landscaping, which he did for 30 years. To stay busy, Gary began servicing lawn mowers and did that for 20 years.
Gary loved to watch drag racing and John Force was his favorite driver. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends. Gary never knew a stranger and was always making new friends, even up until the time of his death. He was always willing to help anyone when needed. He will be remembered for his big heart and quick wit.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol of Creston; daughters: Jenny (Troy) Wheeler of Lorimor and Heather McNichols (Terri) of Creston; grandchildren: Mattie Wheeler of Ames, Abbie and Wyatt of Lorimor and Maddux McNichols of Creston; brothers: Wayne (Becky) McNichols of Creston and Ron (Julia) McNichols of Fayetteville, North Carolina; sister, Shirley Kimball of Beaumont, California; brothers-in-law: Stan Giza of Osceola, John Giza of Creston and Ed (Donnette) Giza of Council Bluffs; many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Monday; mother- and father-in-law, John and Vera Giza and three sisters-in-law.