Gary Youtz

Gary Youtz, 63, passed away March 10, 2015 after two years of living with the devastating disease ALS. A visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2015 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home

He was born and raised in North Canton ,Ohio.

After being diagnosed with ALS Gary continued to have a positive and adventurous spirit. Gary had many passions including music, sailing and enjoying adventures with family and friends. He even delayed doctor appointments, to discover what was causing his symptoms, so we could take the boat one more time to Port Aransas.
His love of music started at home as a child playing piano and later trumpet. It continued through a band degree from Kent State University, many years as a band director, and later playing with the Waco Community Band. He retired in 2014 as a teacher/assistant band director at Bruceville-Eddy High School.
After moving to Waco in 1990 he bought a little sailboat. This began a 25 year adventure owning several, progressively larger, sailboats. He, his wife Peggy, friends and family members spent many wonderful years sailing Lake Waco and, the last 7 years, Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. As it became increasingly difficult for him to get on and off the boat, dear friends built steps to help. This last weekend he was able to sit, one more time, on his beloved Pelican.
Gary was also a great step-father to Chris, Jessica and Jennifer over the last 20 years of his life. After many years as a single man, he married Peggy and immediately had a big family. He always encouraged the children to be the best they could be in all areas of their lives. He was also a very devoted son. After his father's death he moved his mother in with the family for the last 5 years of her life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Mable Youtz.
He is survived by his wife Peggy, children Chris, Jessica and Jennifer Talley, brother and sister-in law Whitt and Jerrie Smith, nieces Shelby and Whitney. He also leaves in his wake other family and many dear friends, mermaids and pirates. Sail on Captain Gary. If you wish to make a donation in Gary's name the family suggests the MDA or ALS organizations or the Bruceville-Eddy Band.

Please sign the Guest Book at www.gracegardensfh.com.