Gerald Bruce Leverich

Gerald Bruce Leverich, Sr., 73 of Baxter Springs, passed away July 6, 2012. He was born in Baxter Springs, KS to Charles and Marie Leverich on August 22, 1938. He attended early schooling in Joplin, Missouri before attended Farragut High School in Chicago, Illinois. He earned an associates degree with Air Force University. Gerald served his country in the United States Air Force; serving both stateside and in northern Africa in the early sixties. After his military obligation, Gerald continued to serve his nation as a case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency during the Cuban Missile Crises. His time in Washington DC was highlighted by a chance encounter with then Attorney General Robert Kennedy and his work with the Justice Department.

Gerald retired from the Schumaker Electric Company in Chicago, after over 20 years of service culminating as the Vice President of Logistics. Prior to that he worked in various positions as a Metallurgist, Casting Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and Senior Director for varied industries including Colt industries, Motorola, TeleDyne and Martin-Marietta.

He was past President, twice, of the Lions Club; Master Mason of the Baxter Springs Lodge; member of the American Legion; parishioner and deacon of The First Christian Church in Baxter Springs, KS. Gerald was an avid volunteer for Meals on Wheels; served as a reading mentor at Lincoln Elementary School. He was an active volunteer and took great pride in giving back to the community.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Michael Leverich of Menominee, MI, Linda Leverich of Lakeland, FL, Cathy (Alan) Retzlaff of Winneconne, WI, Gerald B. (Yuriko) Leverich, Jr. of Suffolk, VA, Timothy (Carolyn) Leverich of Oswego, IL, Victoria Leverich of Taylors, SC, and Rebecca (James) Groth of Carmel, IN; step-daughter, Jennifer Anderson of Peshtigo, WI; step-son, James Randall of Menominne, MI; grandchildren, Casey McNurney, Keri Mead, Jacob and Soren Smith, Gerald B. Leverich III, Nicholas, Mayta, Bridgett, Joseph, and Benjamin Leverich, Matthew Miletic, Nicole and Aylssa Groth, Amanda Leverich, Robert Anderson, and Nichole Shafer; five great grandchildren; as well as brothers, Gary (Louise) Leverich and David (Barbara) Leverich; and previous wife, Barbara J. Karalus. Gerald was also an educator and foster parent to Ezra Julian of Baxter Springs, KS.

Gerald was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Lynn Leverich; parents, Charles and Marie; and brother, Charles (Margaret) Leverich.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Baxter Springs Lions Club.

A memorial service will be held at the Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077 on Wednesday, July 11th at 10 AM. Online condolences may be made at www.arncremation.com.