Gary DeBoard
Gary DeBoard
Gary LeRoy DeBoard, 70, West Plains, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2020.
He was born September 26, 1949, at West Plains, Missouri, to the late Roy and Leota (Ulrich) DeBoard. Gary graduated from Fairview and West Plains High School. While attending school at Fairview, he met the love of his life, Janice Drumright, whom he later married on April 29, 1968. While serving in the United States Navy from 1968 – 1972, he and Janice traveled around. They settled down outside of West Plains close to family and friends to start their family. Their son, Jason, arrived in 1973 and their daughter, Meggan, arrived in 1981. Over the course of Gary’s life, he worked in various lines of employment to provide for his family. He was known for his amazing work ethic, be it as a hardworking, dedicated employee or a fair and kind boss. As Gary’s family continued to grow, he wholeheartedly embraced the new role of grandpa. His love of family was one of the main focuses of his life. They made him extremely happy, proud and kept him busy. The most important part of Gary’s life was his relationship with His Heavenly Father, Jehovah. He symbolized his dedication by being baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1985. For the next 35 years, Gary enjoyed helping others to know the loving and kind God of the Bible.
He is survived by his wife, Janice DeBoard; daughter, Meggan Richardson and husband, Lance; daughter-in-law, Kelli DeBoard; four grandchildren, Zachary DeBoard and wife, Abigail, Gavin DeBoard, Eli DeBoard and Jaxon Richardson; one brother, Bill DeBoard; four brothers-in-law, Gordon Drumright and wife, Lois, Frank Drumright and wife, Rita, Steve Drumright and wife, Vicky, and James Wade; one sister-in-law, Velvet DeBoard; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends whom he loved very much.
His parents, one son, Jason, one brother, Danny DeBoard and one sister, Carol Wade, preceded him in death.
A family directed memorial service will be held via video conference, please contact [email protected] for information on attending. Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Blenda massey
June 2, 2020 @ 8:52 am
The best boss i ever had. Always fair and honest. Loved this guy and his family.
He never met a stranger and was good to everyone.Love and prayers. Blenda Massey
Tom and Terri Naney
August 19, 2020 @ 10:32 am
There are no words that can describe Gary DeBoard. Perhaps “a man of love” describes who he was. He was always a pleasure to talk to and be around. You never had to ask anyone if he loved his God or his family. It truly showed! And he has one of the most loving families I have ever seen. I read where you can tell much about a person by the lives that are affected when they’re gone. Many, many lives are affected by the loss of Gary. We are so sorry for the pain that Janice and Meggan and Lance and Kelli and all the grandchildren and family and his congregation and spiritual family are feeling. We are blessed because we were able to come to know him and his family. We love you guys and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Meggan
October 28, 2020 @ 10:30 pm
Tom and Terri, I just happened across this beautiful message that you left. I’m so sorry I didn’t see it earlier. Thank you so much for writing such kind words about my dad. He truly was one of a kind and just a treasure. We miss him so much. It is indescribable. We are literally counting down the days until we see him again. We love you both. Big hugs to you guys. ?
Meggan
October 28, 2020 @ 10:35 pm
Miss Blenda. He surely was special. I’m so proud that he was my dad. He certainly loved working with you and giving you a hard time. Thank you for such kind words.