Gary W. Earles

On Thursday October 22, 2026, Gary W. Earles, devoted husband, father, and “Papa”, passed away at the age of 74.

Gary was born on October 28, 1951, in Springfield, Illinois, to H. Wayne “Shorty” and Roxella Earles. He graduated Tri-City High School and attended Southern Illinois University before joining the National Guard. Gary’s career began in the mailroom of Illinois Bell, but through his incredible work ethic and remarkable mechanical intellect, he retired as a Construction Engineer with Ameritech in 2003. On May 20, 1972, he married Patricia Scattergood, and together, in Tolono, IL, they raised their family. As a father, Gary led with quiet wisdom and generosity of spirit.

After retirement from Ameritech, Gary embarked on a second career creating Earles Homebuilders with his son Jonathan and later tried his hand at commercial trucking. As hobbies, Gary enjoyed racing and tinkering with cars. He was a devoted NASCAR fan, and in his prime, there wasn’t an automotive or mechanical problem he couldn’t solve. He also enjoyed traveling with Pat and their long-time friends Tom and Mary Hughes. Above all these things, Gary loved being “Papa” to his grandchildren. He attended as many sporting, academic, and performance events as he could for as long as he could. He took great pride in seeing his kids and grandkids succeed. Gary leaves a legacy of hard work, kindness, devotion, and love for his family.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Roxella, and his sister, Gail (Dale) White.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Brian Earles, and daughter-in-law, Michele, of Crestview, Florida, and their children, Riley, Madelyn, and Samuel; his son, Jonathan Earles, and daughter-in-law, Julie, of Mahomet, Illinois, and their children, Joshua, Jenna, and Jillian; and his daughter, Keli Potts, and son-in-law, Brian, of Punta Gorda, Florida, and their children, Devin Hinners and his wife, Samantha, Andrew, Mikayla, Audrey, and Nicholas. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Carter, son of Devin and Samantha; his brother, Dave Earles, and sister-in-law, Cinda; his brothers-in-law, Dale White and John Scattergood; his sister-in-law, Nina Scattergood; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Friday, November 6, from 5–7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Mahomet Chapel, 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet, IL 61853. A private burial will be held at Mechanicsburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to support Alzheimer’s research in Gary’s memory.

Please join Gary's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.