Gary A. Phelps, 79, of Rock Island, died Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his home.  Services will be 11 am Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  Visitation will be from 10-11 Tuesday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline.  Memorials may be made in care of the Blackhawk Special Education Center, East Moline.

Gary was born on September 5, 1940 in Brownfield, Ill., a son of Raymond A. and Edith M. Bowman Phelps.  He graduated from United Township High School, East Moline and then from the Quad City Associated Industries of Apprenticeship School.  Gary married Foda R. Crawford on June 18, 1960 in Green Rock, Ill.  She died on July 14, 2016.

Gary worked 27 years as a tool and die maker for John Deere Harvester Works, retiring in 2000.  Previously he had worked at Williams and White, Farmall Works, Caterpillar and the Rock Island Arsenal.

Gary was a member of the I.A.M. - Lodge 1215, Quad City Tool and Diemakers and the U.A.W. Local 865, East Moline where he served in many capacities including past president.  He enjoyed working on cars, building engines and remodeling houses.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children (and spouses), Tim (Paula) Phelps, Colona, Ill., Tamara (David) Spaulding, Rock Island and Alan (Kelley) Phelps, Rock Island; grandchildren, Ryan (Jenae), Ashlie (Jeremy), Dustin, Jordan, Elliott, Cassiday, Zachary, Tara, Shawna, Matthew, Domonik, Samantha, Tanya, Shelbi, Justin, Heaven and Jaeleigh; and great-grandchildren, Cason, DeAndrew, Jayden, Alton, Zayden, Draven, Kylee, Hunter, Kash, Sheldon, Ava and Dylan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brother - Joseph A. Phelps and granddaughter – Alexandria Spaulding.