Gary Dale Capps

Gary Dale Capps of Alba, Missouri, passed away at Aspire Senior Living in Carthage, Missouri, on March 11, 2026, at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 12, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to Virgal and Mary Kathryn Capps, Gary was raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He graduated from Glenbard West High School in 1973, where he played football and developed a lifelong passion for the sport and his beloved Chicago Bears. In 1975, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably as a Third Class Petty Officer and Mess Specialist. While stationed in the Philippines, he met his first wife, Evelyn “Joni” Zerda. The couple later settled in Illinois and welcomed two sons, William and Mark.

On May 29, 1993, Gary married Sheila Price in Naperville, Illinois. After twenty years with Charles Equipment Company, he retired and moved with Sheila to Alba, Missouri, where they realized a longtime dream by opening La Bella Notte, an Italian restaurant. This venture began two decades of work in the hospitality industry. Throughout his life, Gary remained deeply committed to his community, serving as an active member of the Wheaton Jaycees and maintaining close ties with the VFW and American Legion.

Gary loved his family, friends, and children more than anything. He will be remembered for his enormous heart and his infectious laughter. He often reflected that he had lived a good life and was proud of the one he built. He is survived by his sons, William (Melissa) Capps and Mark Capps of Illinois, Greg (Randi) Morton of Missouri, his daughter Sarah (Jeffrey) Norman of Pennsylvania, grandchildren Alexea Norman of England and Liam Norman of Pennsylvania, and his sisters Deann Berg of Florida and Vickie (Johnny) Lester of North Carolina.