Gary Merle Eckroad, age 80, of Ames, Iowa passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021. Gary was born August 10, 1940 in Massillon, Ohio to Russell and Goldie (Downing) Eckroad. He grew up as the middle brother of three. Gary graduated from Washington High School, class of 1958 and went on to attend the University of Texas. He moved to Iowa and started his own electrical contracting company named Iowa Automation, a successful business for the last 37 years and continued until his passing.
Gary met the love of his life, Betty Allen. They were married in the Little Brown Church in the Vail and were blessed with four children, and had the pleasure of spending the next 54 years together. They enjoyed taking family vacations when the kids were young. Later in life he cherished the time spent with his grandkids and later, great-grandkids. Because Gary was such a hard worker when he did relax, he enjoyed playing the piano, working on his train set, or just relaxing in his recliner.
Left to remember Gary, include his wife, Betty; children, Robin (Keith) Miller, Roni (Brian) Aust, and Christian Eckroad; grandkids, Marissa, Travis, Cassie, Shelby, Wyatt, Kailey, Liam, Zack, Matthew, Heather, Joshua, and Nicole; 11 great-grands kids; brother, Alan Eckroad; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dawn Talbott; grandson, Austin Talbott; and brother, Dan Eckroad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association of Research.
