Gary F. Eubanks, 80, of De Soto died July 23, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Eubanks worked as an HVAC tech at Sheet Metal Contractors. He served as Chaplain at Hematite Fire Protection District, was a Primrose Prison Ministry pastor and a Blackwell Baptist Church pastor. He also was a member of Hawg Hawlers Bass Club and the Sheet Metal Workers Union. Born Sept. 6, 1944, in Manila, Ark., he was the son of Thomas and Mattie (Crowell) Eubanks.
He is survived by his wife: LaDon Joy “Donnie” (Caine) Eubanks of De Soto, whom he married on May 24, 1974, in St. Clair; three children: Jennifer (John Long) Eubanks of De Soto, Brandie Brown of Festus and Amy Eubanks of Valles Mines; a sibling: Lorine Sparkman of Manila, Ark.; nine grandchildren: Alex, Claire and Grant Litterst, Jacob (Megan) Luther, Gavin (Alyssa) Luther, Elizabeth (Archer) Brown, Brittany, Breanne and Brooke Eubanks; five great-grandchildren: Genevieve, Cashlynn, Niziaiah, Ezaya and Daniel; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by six siblings: Willard Eubanks, Paul Eubanks, Roy E. Eubanks, Velma Densmore, Joe Eubanks and Harlan Eubanks.
Visitation is scheduled from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 27, at Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home, 220 N. Main, in De Soto. A funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, July 28, at the funeral home, officiated by Mike Krampf. Burial will be in Luckey Baptist Cemetery in De Soto. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home.