"Love you brother be with god tell Don I LOVE him so much Deanne Coons "
In loving memory of
Gary Dean Jewell
March 31, 1950 - June 17, 2020
Gary Dean Jewell (a.k.a. Bucky and Uncle Bunkle), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and proud Marine was called home to join our heavenly father and our Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 17, 2020.
Gary was born March 31, 1950 in Lima, Ohio, and joined the U.S. Marines in 1968. He served 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as a member of Lima Company 3/3, was honorably discharged for medical reasons in 1970, and served 4 more years in the Marine Reserves. His service in the Marines was one of his greatest sources of pride, and the friendships he made in those years spanned a lifetime. He stayed in close touch with many of his fellow Marines over the years.
After his discharge from the service, Gary moved to California and worked in an oil refinery, before he returned home to Ohio and began working as a machinist for the next several years. It was during that time that he became an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Gary moved to Albuquerque in 1979, where he met his soulmate Carol in 1980 when he walked into her workplace, Instatune, to get his car serviced. At the time, Carol was learning to play the guitar and had brought the instrument with her to work. He picked up the guitar and serenaded her, singing John Denver's "For Baby." That chance meeting blossomed into a 40-year love story in both Phoenix and Toledo, OH, with Gary and Carol owning and operating numerous businesses, including a wedding photography and services business, a bowling club, and a commercial kitchen. There truly was nothing Gary could not do, and in the words of his wife, he was a "Man Among Men."
He was preceded in death by his parents, Artie and Opal, sisters Jeannie, Garnet and Georgia, brother-in law David Fall, sister-in law Regina Fall and niece Kayla. He is survived by his wife Carol (Coons) Jewell, sisters Susie Czech and Gail Pelland, sons Gary D. Jewell, Jr. (Melissa), Chris Jewell, Tim Brown (Karen), Dave Brown, and Jim Brown (Angela), daughter Jeanette Moore, 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, and a multitude of cousins, nephews and nieces, and great-nephews and nieces that he loved dearly.
He was a loving, caring, and giving soul. He was a great soldier, a strong believer, and he influenced so many through his faith in Jesus Christ. He was by no means perfect, but he was perfect to us.
A memorial service will be held Friday, June 26, at 2 p.m. at Paradise Valley SDA Church, 2727 E. Cactus Rd., Phoenix. Masks will be required for attendance, and children under 18 are not allowed to attend. For those that are unable to attend in-person, or are uncomfortable doing so due to COVID-19, the service will also be live-streamed on the Church's YouTube Channel, PVSDA TEST. The family also respectfully requests that if you are not feeling well that you please attend the service online.
For those that would like to make a memorial contribution in Gary's name, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, Phoenix Division, and the Salvation Army Metro Phoenix.
Tributes
"What a wonderful man with a wonderful voice. I loved the karaoke we sang together."
"Gary was a great man loved by many both in Arizona and Ohio. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Carol and the entire family."
"I loved you uncle Buck. I really did. Most of my memories were of you and aunt Carol babysitting me. I know that I may not have been lucky enough to have the time with you that the others had, but I wanted you to know that you were a man that was truly loved so much by so many. I loved how you loved your family that was so close to you. I love how you took care of my grandpa and my grandmother Fall. How you loved unconditionally. How you seemed to be able to do everything. I remember mom and dad's wedding. I remember church. I remember us at mammaw's bedside praying. I wish that I had more time with you to show you that I wanted to make you proud. I love you uncle Buck. Rest easy. "
"Carol and family, we are heartbroken that we will never get to hear Bucky?s voice, laugh, and stories. He had a passion for life, God and country to match no other. Our memories of him will be remembered always. One of a kind. Holidays and fun at the hanger won?t be the same. Kurt and Brenda Mastopietro"
"Uncle Buck is the greatest man I've had the pleasure of knowing and love and be accepted and made part of this wonderful family. I will forever miss him so very much.. Anytime we were ever together at any family gathering with Uncle Buck n Aunt Carol you were guaranteed to leaving feeling much love, joy and peace. I also could sit and listen to his sweet voice sing for hours n hours and never grow tired but loved watching him sing with all the kids and others. He always had a smile and a hug for everyone and never once heard a unkind word from him towards anyone. You could see n feel God's love thru Uncle Buck and I absolutely can't wait for us all to be together again in heaven for all eternity.. Every tear will be wiped dry and we will all rejoice forever n ever! I love you Uncle Buck! Thank you for loving us so very much!"