Leo Lawrence Gay Jr.

God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble." Psalm 46, v. 1.

    Leo is in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Leo Lawrence Gay Jr. passed away Friday Aug. 29, 2008, ending a brief but courageous struggle with pancreatic cancer.

    He died as he lived, simply and without fanfare. Leo is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cora (Plumer) with whom he was united in marriage on Nov. 8, 1958, in Midland Also surviving him are their children Kimberly K. and Aaron P. Armour and grandchildren, Rebecca Eden and Lane Phillip; and Kathy Lynn and Robert N. Nicodemus III and granddaughter, Abigail Lynn, all of Maryland.

    Leo and Marilyn would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this November. Other survivors include his sister Janet and Charles Morse and their daughters, Lori Sarkozi and Terri Puckett and three great-nephews; brother-in-law Ronald Liebrock and his children, Kurt Liebrock, Andrea Randall and Kristi Kirby and three great-nephews; brother-in-law Robert and Judy Plumer and daughter Jill; and brother-in-law Bryon and Dawn Plumer and daughters Shelley Plumer, Tammy Plumer and son Scott Plumer; sister-in-law Nancy and Frank Acker and their son Richard Acker and their daughter Christina Cieslik.

     He is also survived by special niece Betty Plumer and her children Matthew and Kellie and nephew Jacob Allen Simpson. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Leo Lawrence Gay Sr. and Hazel Fern (Riggie) Gay; sister, Karyl K. Liebrock; his mother-in-law Veva Sovereen Plumer Small and father-in-law Roland Seymour Plumer; sister-in-law Meta Jane Plumer Simpson; and nephew David Robert Plumer.

    Leo was born in Greendale Township, Midland County on May 23, 1938. He attended St. John's Lutheran Church and School. He graduated from Midland High School in 1956. He entered the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in the Army Security Agency from Jan. 2, 1958, until Dec. 31, 1960, including 18 months service in the Phillipines.

    He resumed working for Dow Chemical upon his return until he joined the City of Midland Fire Department in March 1963 as a firefighter. He advanced through the ranks, eventually being appointed Deputy Chief, under Chief Robert J. Fisher, and subsequently assuming the post of City of Midland Fire Chief in 1988. He retired on Jan. 4, 1994. Leo loved his family, and was a wonderful son and brother, and a loyal and kind husband and father. He was a life-long faithful Christian, dedicated to his Lord and Savior as a charter member of Holy Scripture Lutheran Church, spending many hours in labors of love at the church.

    He cherished his grandchildren and relished his nickname "Poppy." His grandchildren were blessed to have many summers with him, riding the ATV at the farm, fishing and helping in the garden, and learning his love of Michigan, adopting it as their second home. He took pride in his garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his crops and loved the out of doors, especially his beautiful lawn. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with nephew David and fishing with best friend Leroy Johnson. He was a master woodworker, lovingly crafting gifts for his family, including cradles for his grandchildren and beautiful doll houses. He spent many hours making them perfect and transporting them to Maryland.

     Leo and Marilyn built and resided in four houses in Midland with their family. Leo will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. We are grateful he can now rest from his labors. He has been rewarded in Heaven with the best gift of all, life everlasting with our Lord and Savior.

    Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008, from Holy Scripture Lutheran Church. Pastor Paul Schneider will officiate with burial in Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Leo's family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. on Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Holy Scripture Lutheran Church. If you are unable to visit with the family in person you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com

    Firefighter's Prayer

    Almighty God, protector of all, your strength, power, and

    wisdom are a beacon of light to all:

    Give special guidance to firefighters so that we may be

     protected from harm while performing our duty.

    Help me with your loving care while I work to save the

    lives and property of all people, young and old.

    Give me the courage, the alertness to protect my

    neighbors and all others whom I am pledged to aid

    when involved in fire or accident.

     Amen.