Gary Altman

Gary Altman, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Dallas, TX. He will always be remembered as a man loved by those he came in contact with. He left a lasting imprint on so many lives over the years. He was Dad, Husband, Brother, Grandpa, Friend, Teacher, Coach to those that loved him. 

 Gary was born on May 12, 1951, in Chicago, IL, to Joel & Marianne Altman. Gary attended Central College where he played football and was a member of the Beta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Gary's love of teaching and coaching left a legacy in eastern Iowa where he creating winning traditions at Twin Cedars HS, Keokuk HS, Bettendorf HS, Burlington HS, and Pleasant Valley HS. Gary is known as a "Father to Hundreds of Daughters" through his work as Head Girls Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at his various stops. Gary also went on to be the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Blackhawk College in Moline, Il. and finished his coaching career as an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Augustana College in Rock Island, Il. Gary also spent years coaching girls in AAU basketball and at different basketball camps across the country. He was recognized and inducted into the 2006 Iowa Girl's Basketball Hall of Fame Class of Coaches. He shared his passion for the game of basketball with those ladies that played for him instilling a winning work ethic and mindset.

 Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kendra Altman, Fort Worth, TX, Daughter Kim Gordon (Myron, Lexi, Myra & Deuce), Fort Worth, TX, Daughter Mindy Altman (Olivia, Emery, & Hudson), Eldridge, IA, Sister Patty Altman-Leeds, Guadalajara, Mexico. And his two favorite felines, Swish and Hoops. 

 Gary was preceded in death by Joel Altman (Father), Marianne Altman (Mother), and Lindsay Altman (Daughter). 

There will be a Reception and Prayer in Gary's Honor at 7pm on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Temple Baptist Church, Fort Worth, TX. 

 Additionally a Celebration of Life event called “Coach Altman’s Last Halftime Speech” will be held in his honor on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 12:30pm in the Bettendorf High School gymnasium, Bettendorf, Iowa. Doors will open to the public at 11:45am. The family is asking for people to attend wearing their favorite MAC school or sports team attire. There will be a dessert reception following the event in the gym. All funds donated in Gary Altman’s name will be used to help defray costs for players through scholarships for girls basketball feeder programs at Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, Burlington, and other MAC schools.