Gary M. Blaylock

North English- Gary M. Blaylock was born February 28, 1943 in Kinross, Iowa, the son of Marvin Franklin and Jessie Irene (Edmundson) Blaylock. He attended Kinross School through 8th grade, graduated from English Valleys High School in 1961 and attended Iowa State University for agriculture. While in high school he played basketball and football. After graduating high school Gary managed the F. Plank Seed Co. for 4 years, before farming in Kinross until 1985. He drove a school bus for English Valleys Schools, drove for the U of I Hospitals Transportation Dept. until 2010 and then worked for Billion Auto for 7 years. On July 5, 1975 Gary was united in marriage to Sandra J. Beach-Parmenter in Kinross. He was a former member of the Kinross Christian Church, an English Valleys School Board member for many years, a 50 plus year member of the Farmer's Lodge #168 in Kinross, and he received a 25 year award for his service as a high school sports official. Gary was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, he enjoyed visiting with his friends at the Liar's Club and the EV History Center, participating in parades all over with his covered wagon and team of Belgian horses. He enjoyed his horses and trail rides, fishing, deer and coyote hunting, playing practical jokes and most of all spending time with his family.
Gary died on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City at the age of 74 years.

He is survived by his wife Sandy of North English; four children Greg (Brenda Andrews) Parmenter of LaBelle, FL, Kevin (Shelli) Parmenter of Overland Park, KS, Jody (Keith Doepker) Blaylock-Moler of Overland Park, KS and David Jo (Jennifer) Blaylock of North English; a daughter-in-law Shelly Blaylock of Tiffin; 13 grandchildren Carsten (Emily) Parmenter, Lincoln & Madison Parmenter, Kyle & Kelsi Parmenter, Casey Blaylock, Chelsey (Jon) Ford, Caleb & Sydney Moler, Camden Kemp, Kody, Darian and Savana Blaylock; 1 great granddaughter Naevelynn Blaylock; a sister Karyl (Bill) Miller of Washington; two brothers Mike (Margaret) Blaylock of North English and Pat (Michelle) Blaylock of Fairfax Station, VA; and a brother-in-law Marvin Gent of Williamsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Robin Blaylock and a sister Karen Gent.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 6:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2018 at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. Visitation will be on Friday from 1-5:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the North English Fire Department and QRS. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com