Gilbert Leathers

GILBERT C. LEATHERS

Ollie

Gilbert C. Leathers, 92, of Ollie, died at his home late Friday, May 29, 2020.

He was born in Delta, Iowa, on May 16, 1928, to Raymond Roy and Eliza J. "Nellie" Pearson Leathers. He attended schools in Delta until moving to Ollie in 1940 and graduated from Ollie High School in 1946. Gilbert was united in marriage to Grace Jeanne Shultz in Richland on Oct. 26, 1952. He served in the U.S. Army attached to the U. S. Air Force as a heavy equipment operator during the Korean War. He farmed all of his life. He was appointed as a Keokuk County supervisor, served on the board of directors and was vice president of the Union State Bank. He also was a Jackson Township trustee. His memberships included: Justice Lodge No. 230, A.F. & A.M. of Ollie, KAABA Temple of AAONMS, president of the Ottumwa Shrine Club, Richland American Legion Post No. 504 and Prairie View United Methodist Church.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Jeanne of Ollie; two sons, G. Steven Leathers (Denise), Urbana, and Scott Leathers (Anne), Ollie; and daughter, Stacy Fox (Andrew), Van Meter; one grandson, S. Shayne Leathers (Janna), Cary, N.C.; and special companion, "Buttons."

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Kelley.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, at Prairie View United Methodist Church near Ollie with the Rev. Steven Lamb officiating. Burial will be in Rock Creek Cemetery near Ollie with military honors by Richland American Legion Post No. 504 and Masonic services by Justice Lodge No. 230. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. immediately preceding the funeral service.

Memorials established for Essence of Life Hospice or Prairie View United Methodist Church and may be left at the church or mailed to Scott at 22985 320th St., Ollie, IA 52576. Due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, social distancing will be observed with entry through the front doors and exit through the kitchen. Seating will be restricted but available in both the chapel area and the fellowship hall. Services also will be broadcast over the church radio station (88.3 FM) so friends who wish to may listen in their cars in the parking lot. Gould Funeral Home of Richland is in charge of arrangements.