Freeport, IL – Gary R. Carr, 86 of Freeport passed away peacefully at Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, Illinois on March 14th with his family at his side. He was born February 22, 1937 to the late Roy and Leta (VanDeMark) Carr and baptized on March 28, 1937. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1954 and attended Parsons College in Fairfield, IA. He served in the Army from 1955-1958.

He married Bette M. Schult on September 21, 1958 in Freeport, IL. Over the next 40 years they raised their family of five. During his career in advertising he worked at Micro Switch, Ad Forces and Greenlee Textron. In his retirement he was employed by Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In 1995, Gary was an integral part of the Freeport Park District Merry-Go-Round refurbishing project. He was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Freeport, IL where he played the organ for over 50 years. He enjoyed music, woodworking, spending time with his family and found great satisfaction in all he did.

He is survived by his wife, Bette of Freeport, IL, his children, Kevin (Karen) Carr of Chatfield, MN; Daniel (Janet) Carr of Bentonville, AR; Jennifer (Scott) Immel of Oregon, IL; Michael (Christina) Carr of Chatfield, MN; and Amanda (Nathan) Bauer of Lanark, IL. His legacy includes 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

He also leaves behind his brother, Ron Carr of Bloomington, IL; sisters-in-law Phyllis Monigold of Monroe, WI; Wanda Myers of New Milford, IL; Linda Carr of Pearl City, IL and brother-in-law Gary (Janice) Schult of North Huntingdon, PA. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David Carr, brothers-in-law Tom Monigold, Roger Myers, Roger(Janice) Schult, and sister-in-law Joanne Carr.

There will be a funeral service on Friday, March 17th at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Freeport, IL beginning at 1pm followed by a reception at the church. There will be a private family committal service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name for Our Savior Lutheran Church and the Serenity Hospice Home in Oregon, IL. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the Serenity Hospice Home for their exceptional care of Gary during his final journey home. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com .

Gary Carr Memorial Service