Gary Don Egger

March 28, 1958 - February 25, 2020

Gary Don Egger was born to Don and Delphia Egger in Magnolia, Arkansas on March 28, 1958. He loved his mom and Pop above all else. Gary left his earthly home to be reunited with his dad and other family members and His Lord and Savior in his heavenly home on February 25, 2020. He left us all much better people by the example of his life. Gary was born with Down Syndrome and was a kind and loving young man with a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. Through his 61 years he suffered more than his share of health issues, amazing us all with his ability to power through those obstacles time and time again. He continued to keep his big smile and his quick laugh and jokester attitude. Family was of utmost importance to Gary, but he also made friends everywhere he went. To walk with him around Arkadelphia was to hear a constant chorus of “Hey Gary.” People recognized him and greeted him all over Arkansas. Gary enjoyed movies, dancing, watching wrestling, bowling, Special Olympics, and music, especially Elvis Presley. He had an “Elvis room” at his home where he kept his huge collection of Elvis cd’s, video tapes and DVD’s and all kinds of collectible items. He loved vacationing with his parents and seeing entertainers on stage performing their musical acts. When Gary participated in Special Olympics his sport was the long jump. If you watch the video tribute, look closely and you will see a picture of Gary on the silver medal platform with his arms raised high in the air with none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also loved the Dallas Cowboys. Every now ad then he would get mad at them and put his Cowboy jacket in the “give away” box, but it was always retrieved later. He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks when Houston Nutt was the coach, he wasn’t too crazy about the Hogs when coach Nutt left for a different team. Gary was very patriotic and never missed an opportunity to stand and salute the flag when he heard “The National Anthem” or saw a group of military men and women. He loved God and loved to say the blessing at family dinners. Gary was preceded in death by his dad, Don Egger of Arkadelphia; his paternal grandparents Ted and Willie Egger of Mena; and his maternal grandparents John Matt and Edna Foster of Emerson. He is survived by his mom, Delphia Egger of Arkadelphia; aunts, Sherma McWilliams, Jeannie Egger, Mary Lou (Artie) Byford, and Karen (Jerry) Walters. Gary is also survived by several cousins, many friends, and a special girlfriend, Kathy Smith. Gary also leaves behind some great DSP’s who sat and worked with him over the last several years. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27 at Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, AR. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Hephzibah Missionary Baptist Cemetery in Emerson, AR with Bro. Eric Goble officiating. Pallbearers will be Gary’s cousins: Stacy, Stuart, David, Johnny, Mike, Jimmy Dale, and Shane. Memorial donations for Gary may be sent to Hephzibah Cemetery Fund, 4110 Columbia Rd 5, Magnolia, AR 71753 or Arkansas Special Olympics, 2115 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114.