Gary Boles of Centralia passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Gary was born on September 28, 1941, in Centralia, the son of Cliff and Clementine Boles. He married Myrna Kay Middleton on August 3, 1963. Myrna preceded him in death on January 22, 2003. Gary then married Elizabeth Betty Prather of Centralia on March 28, 2004.
Gary is survived by his two children: Gayla Harting and husband Jack of Centralia and son John and wife Karessa of Salem.
Gary had four grandchildren: Chelsea Clark and husband Kyle of Salem, Baylee Walsh and fiancé Zach White of St. Louis, and Brenden and girlfriend Kylee Smith of Carlyle and Trent Boles of Salem. Gary also had two great-grandchildren: Trey and Nora Gail Clark of Salem and Baby White coming in January.
Gary had one brother, Chris Boles and wife Cindy of Keller, TX. He also had two sisters Rita Boles and Gloria Copple both of Centralia. Both Rita and Gloria preceded him in death.
Gary also had several nieces and nephews: Kyle Boles and Jamie Lord of Texas. Greg Barton of Centralia and Sherry Harris of West Frankfort.
After college, Gary began a teaching and coaching career that lasted for seventeen years. He taught and coached at Mt. Vernon Grade School, Odin Grade School, Patoka High School, and Pinckneyville High School. He coached basketball, track, baseball, and football during his career.
In 1980, Gary ran for the office of Marion County Circuit clerk and was elected. He served for twenty years before retiring.
After retirement, Gary spent time doing some of his favorite things which included: hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his closest friends.
Gary was a member of the First Christian Church in Centralia. He taught Sunday school classes for the high school kids and the young adult Sunday school class. Gary was on several committees. He was a deacon and served as an elder at different times. Gary also served three and a half years in the Army Reserves.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Centralia and St. Judes Children Hospital of Memphis, TN. They will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia.
There will be a private graveside service at a later date. Online condolences and memories of Gary may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Gary Boles with arrangements.
