Gary L. Sells, age 77, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 9:10 AM on Sunday, July 9, 2023 after a fishing trip on the Mississippi River. He was born August 28, 1945 in Oquawka, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Anna Jane (Bass) Sells. Gary was educated in the area and was a graduate of Union High School. Gary proudly served his Country in the United States Army during Vietnam. On April 9, 1983, he married Margaret Butler in Stronghurst, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on January 10, 2021. Gary worked his entire career as an over the road truck driver. He worked for Munson Transportation, Wabash, and Walmart. After retiring, he worked for several local farmers hauling grain. His love was Sprint Car Racing, and was on the current Pit Crew for the Jimmy Davies #99 Sprint Car. Gary was very fond of the outdoors, and one of his favorites was fishing. He also enjoyed meeting his buddies every afternoon for coffee. He was a member of both the local V.F.W. and American Legion. On November 4, 2021, Gary visited Washington, DC with the local Honor Flight. Mostly, Gary loved his family and friends.
Gary is survived by two daughters, Amy (Shane) Beelman of Oquawka, IL and Cathi Jo (Kent) Drechsler of Princeton, IA, two sons, Mark Butler of Oquawka, IL and Scott Butler of Gladstone, IL, one sister, Kathy Sells of Ottumwa, IA, and four grandchildren, Maddie Butler, Hannah Parkins, Laurel Beelman, and Landen Beelman. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Leroy Sells and Robert “Buck” Sells, grandson Beau Carroll, and daughter-in-law ReVonne Butler.
A funeral service for Gary Sells is planned for 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. His family will be present for visitation from 12:30-2:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Military Honors will conclude the service. A memorial fund is being established for the Monmouth American Legion. For more information, or to leave a remembrance of Gary, please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
