Gary Max Leatherman, 86, of Rockville went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at St. Vincent Clay Hospital in Brazil.
He was born Jan. 30, 1937, in rural Rockville, to the late Charles Leatherman and Lois Stark Leatherman Deck.
Survivors include: his wife of 63 years, Janet Elaine Evans Leatherman, whom he married June 18, 1960, at Terre Haute; three children, Kelly Lynn (Gayle) Johnson of Crawfordsville, Ted Joseph (Krista) Leatherman of Rockville and Kristy Leigh (Edward) Lippencott of Waveland; six grandchildren, Kori (Tyler) Thornton, Kylie (Curtis) Wainman, Joe (Kendall) Leatherman, Lyndsy (Nate) Eslinger, Trent Johnson and Ross Lippencott; and six great-grandchildren, Bodie, Blaine, Barret, Claire, Cole, Henry and one more on the way.
Gary was a 1955 graduate of Greene Township High School. He served with the Indiana National Guard from 1956-1957 and with the U.S. Army from 1957-1959. He attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood and was stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama, serving in the chemical corps as an E-4 corporal. After his service in the Army, Gary returned home to the family farm, and continued the grain and livestock operation, which is currently operated by his son and grandson as Leatherman Farms.
A commited Christian, Gary was an active member of Christ Community Church in Brazil. He was a member of American Legion Fellenzer post 48 in Rockville. In the community, Gary served on the Turkey Run School Board, and has been a livestock superintendent at the Parke County 4-H Fair. Throughout the years, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, following sports and activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family. Nearly every Saturday Gary and Janet enjoyed going out to eat together. They have also enjoyed their many travels over the years.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 W. Howard St., Rockville, with Pastor Joshua Sanders officiating. Burial with military graveside honors by Parke County veterans will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery north of Hollandsburg. Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at Gooch Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Christ Community Church, 10942 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
