Leatherman, Gary Dean
July 1st, 1934 – August 18th, 2023
In loving memory of Gary Dean Leatherman.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Leatherman, who peacefully left us at the age of 89. He was a cherished father, beloved, grandfather, and an inspiration to all who knew him. Gary dedicated over 30 years of his life to teaching music education, leaving an incredible mark on countless lives.
Born July 1, 1934 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Gary graduated from Charles City High School in 1952 and Drake University in 1956. Gary went on to serve his country in the Army. During his service, Gary directed the Third Army Division Chorus which toured Europe.
From 1959-1960 Gary performed in the traveling Company “The Most Happy Fella.” He then returned to Drake University to begin his Masters degree where he met his wife Andrea (Ande) McClintock. They met in March and were married in August.
After they wed, they moved to Manhattan, NY where Gary performed in off-broadway productions and in other musicals like A Family Affair. He also was a featured soloist with Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians.
Family and music were important to Gary. From 1963-1968 Gary taught at Gillette Grove High School where he introduced swing choir and started the Young Countrymen group. He then taught at Washington High School in Cherokee, Iowa for 30 years. As a music teacher, he nurtured the talents of young minds, imparting not only the technical aspects of music, but also the beauty and emotion it carries.
His influence reached far beyond the walls of the classroom. Gary was a devoted family man, who cherished spending time with loved ones. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering support created a foundation of love that will endure for generations to come.
Gary and his wife moved to Mission, Texas in 2001 after he retired. He sang and directed the church choir at Martin Valley and was a member of Mission First United Methodist Church where he performed numerous solos and was a member of the choir.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Eva Leatherman; as well as his brother Wavern Leatherman. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Andrea Beth (McClintock) Leatherman; daughter, Missy Benjamin (Mark) of Council Bluffs; son, Mike Leatherman (Mary Kay) of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Amanda Clanton (Joe), Bridgette Watson (Matt), Tony Liston (Sydney), Connor Hart, Morgan and Sean Leatherman and great-grandchildren Audrey, Ella, Andi, Gracelynn, Brooks, John, Banks, and Beckam.
As we bid farewell to Gary, please help us in celebrating the symphony of his life. A memorial service will be held on September 2, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Church (5419 N 114th St, Omaha, NE 68164). Following the service there will be a luncheon at the DC Center (11830 Stonegate Dr, Omaha, NE 68164). In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the family. These contributions will be used to honor Gary in a way that resonates with his legacy.
Leatherman Family 500 N Bryan Road, N-14 Mission, TX 78573
