Born April 13, 1945 in Canton to Harry and Vada( Clauson) Beckstead, he married Sharon Luther on June 21, 1991 in Peoria.
Surviving are his wife; 1 son, Gerry (Darcy) Jacobus of St. Charles, Missouri; and 5 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and 1 brother.
Gary had worked for the State of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for 15 years, retiring in 2006.
He was a member of Sand Ridge Baptist Church in Lexington.
Gary enjoyed exercising, running, fishing, and watching Chicago Cubs baseball.
A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Monday at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to his church at 7535 Highway 412 West, Lexington, Tennessee 38351
To wxpress condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
