Gary Ray Cridlebaugh, age 75, of Centerville, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Centerville. Gary was born September 14, 1950, the son of Raymon (John) and Lois (Marshall) Cridlebaugh. He spent his early years growing up on his parents’ farm in rural Udell. He graduated from Moulton-Udell High School with the Class of 1968. On August 10, 1974 he was united in marriage to Joanne Talbot. To this union two children were born, Michael Joe (Mike) and Sara Elaine.
Gary was drafted into the United States Army in 1970 and served two years, including time in Germany, until honorably discharged. Gary worked for the United States Postal Service as a city letter carrier for 35 years until retiring in 2005. It’s been said that you can take the boy off of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy, and in 1979 Gary began his Simmental herd out on Wildwood Lane and in 1986 purchased his beloved family farm west of Centerville on Highway 2, where he resided until his death.
Gary loved life, especially his family, and his community, expressed in the many causes, organizations, and events he selflessly served over the years. His many awards he received for his service include Citizen of the Year (2004), Jim Senior Memorial Citizen of the Month (2014), Centerville Rathbun Lake Chamber of Commerce Volunteer, Morgan E. Cline Medal (2018), Outstanding Service Award for Pancake Day (2004), Pancake Day Parade Marshall (2022) and received the Veteran Quilt of Valor (2017).
The organizations he served over the years include American Legion, Appanoose County Historical Society Board, Appanoose County Pioneer Cemetery Board, Pancake Day Committee, Appanoose County Cattlemen, NALC Postal Union, Appanoose County Fair Board, Cub Scouts Pack 33 and Ragbrai Committee.
Besides farming and volunteering, Gary’s other loves included history, cooking and traveling with Joanne. While he enjoyed traveling the country and exploring museums, birthplaces, battle sites and local restaurants, his favorite destination was South Padre Island in Texas. Gary is remembered by many as always having a smile on his face, a willingness to help and a story to tell.
Left to honor Gary’s memory are his wife Joanne, son Mike (Sarah) Cridlebaugh, of Casper, Wyoming, and daughter Sara (Kevin) Goryl of West Chester, Pennsylvania, grandsons Aidan Cridlebaugh and Lincoln Goryl, sisters Kaye (Lyle) Swarts and Kathy Cridlebaugh, and brother-in-law Richard Talbot. Preceding him in death are parents John and Lois Cridlebaugh, in-laws Eugene and Bonnie Talbot and brother-in-law Bobby Talbot.
Memorials may be given in Gary’s honor to Appanoose County Historical Society and EveryStep Hospice.
