White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Gary F. Short, 83 years old, of Independence, IA, passed away on February 28, 2022, at the Buchanan County Health Center, Independence.

Gary donated his body to the University of Iowa for research. Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. - Sunday, April 24, 2022, at White Funeral Home, 400 First Street, Independence, with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. A memorial fund has been established. Online condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.

Gary entered this world on July 22, 1938, on a farm northeast of Webster City, IA, in Cass Township of Hamilton County. His parents were Orin Harvey Short and Erma Dora (Foster) Short. He joined siblings Viola Fern, Vesta Maxine, Leila Katherine, Estle Orin, Shirley Marie, and Phyllis Arlene. He was later joined by siblings, Robert “Bob” Edgar and a brother who died at birth.

His early education was in a one room schoolhouse at Cass #3 School and Woolstock, Iowa, public schools. He continued his education in the Webster City public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School with the class of 1956. He then attended Webster City Junior College for one year and then Iowa State College, now Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in June of 1960. He was the first in his family to attend an institution of higher learning. While at ISU he was a proud member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

In June of 1960, Gary began employment as a livestock buyer with the Rath Packing Company, Waterloo, IA. His employment with Rath was interrupted by service in the United States Army:

January 1961 - July 1961: Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Riles, KS.
October 1961 - August 1962: 404th Signal Company, Ft. Huachuca, AZ.

After his service time was complete he continued with Rath until October 1966, when the company discontinued the slaughter of cattle, lambs, and veal. The year 1967 saw him working in feed sales for Swift & Co.

On January 3, 1968, Gary began employment with Security State Bank, Independence, IA, as a loan officer, and eventually bank president. He retired as president from Security State Bank on January 3, 2009. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Security State Bank and later Northeast Security Bank. He held offices in both organizations. He was a founding member of Independence Bancshares, Inc. and served as board member and officer until his death.

He was involved with several banking organizations, including the Buchanan County Bankers Assoc., Iowa Independent Bankers Assoc. Peer Group, American Bankers Assoc., and the Bankers Advisory Board to the Conference of State Banking Supervisors. Locally, some of Gary’s favorite organizations to be involved with, included the Independence Lions Club, where he was past president, the Buchanan County Health Trust where he was a founding member and longtime board member, and the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoyed his involvement with the Walter’s Trust in the administration of Cedar Rock, and being on the Board of Governors for the Iowa State University Alumni Assoc. Gary enjoyed these organizations, serving in various capacities, as an officer, board of director, and committee member.

Gary also loved to hunt quail pheasant, Hungarian partridge, white tail deer, mule deer, and elk. Going to Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Southern Iowa, and Missouri, to hunt with friends and family, were among his favorite things to do.

The big fun of his life was his quarter horses and German Shorthaired Pointer dogs that he trained and hunted. He was one of the top amateur trainers in the country, having four dual champion German Shorthair Pointers, winning four national field trials. He was involved with the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, serving on its board of directors and treasurer. He was also a longtime member of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Easter Iowa, serving on its board of directors as its field trial secretary and as its treasurer.

The greatest day in Gary’s life was July 29, 1961, when he and Harriet Ann Mason were married. They had a happy love-filled life together. They loved to travel, visiting all 50 states, to see family, friends, and “dog friends.” They enjoyed using their timeshares all over when they traveled. They loved to dine with friends and family at dinner parties, go dancing, and support Iowa State University by attending basketball and football games, and various alumni events, including the Order of the Knoll functions.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Harriet, of Independence, IA; one brother, Bob (Sandy) Short of Laurel, MT; and thirty-two nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Viola Crosby, Vesta Lowish, Leila Wemhoff, Shirley Wangler, and Phyllis Richardson; two brothers, Estle Short, and one brother in infancy; two nephews; and one niece.

White Funeral Home, Independence, IA is in charge of arrangements.