Gary Newcomb

Gary Richard Newcomb, 76, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

He was born Jan. 6, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was the second of four children born to Walter and Ruby Hobbs Newcomb.

He graduated from Wheaton high school in Wheaton, Illinois, in 1966. He earned a football scholarship to Northeast Missouri State University. He, along with his 1969-1971 teammates, was honored in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Gary worked for Electric Conduit in Chicago before moving to Missouri. He was a game warden and training officer for Missouri Department of Conservation for 25 years. He loved hunting, fishing, poker, metal detecting and gardening. His children and grandchildren cherish their memories of blanket forts, scavenger hunts and legendary games of hide and seek. His best decision in life was made Aug. 31, 1973, when he and Debra Reef decided to elope to Las Vegas. They had been happily married for over 50 years.

Gary is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter and son-in-law, Amber and Todd Wessel; daughter, Shannon Clubb; grandchildren, Lorelai and Truman Clubb; sister, Patricia Kondich; and loved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents and a brother, Steve Newcomb.

The family will celebrate Gary's life in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 955423, St. Louis, MO 63195-5423.

McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

To leave an online condolence, go to www.mccombsfuneralhome.com and access Gary's obit.