Maj. Leland S. Gaug, USMC-Ret.

 

At age 87, on July 27,2011, our family lost a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and many more, lost a good friend. Leland S. Gaug was born in Copley to parents, Andrew W. and Elizabeth. After graduating from Boston Township High School, Lee joined the Navy at age 18 in 1942. He flew Corsairs in the “Ace of Spades’ Squadron in Akron and later flew with the “Flying Nightmares’ during the Korean War. Lee’s military career spanned 22 years. He retired in 1964 as a major in the Marine Corps.Lee then began a 25 year career with Goodyear Racing Division as a field manager for various racing circuits including the world-wide Formula One series.Back at home, he was a strong believer in serving the community. Lee was an active member of Copley-Fairlawn Kiwanis for over 40 years, plus a member of Copley VFW Post 7971 and American Legion Post 473.Lee Gaug dearly treasured his many friendships. Close to his heart were the luncheons and activities spent with his childhood buddies and Goodyear, Kiwanis and golfing friends.Lee was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Dorothy (Hatch) Gaug, grandson, Herbert and great-grandson, Kody, along with brothers, Russell, Robert, Daniel, Steven and sisters, Ruth, Anne and Emillia and second wife, Ann Gottwald.He was the beloved father of Cynthia Gaug, Kevan and Angela Gaug of The Woodlands, Texas, Janet Miller and Pamela and Mark Emerson. He will be greatly missed by grandchildren: Kristopher, Nicholas, Gregory Gaug; Dennis Miller, Nicole and Brian Covil; Samantha, Seth, Clayton Emerson; and his great-grand-children Ty, Austin Miller; Brenna, Savannah, Riley, Aurora, Jacob Covil; baby sister, Esther Greenlese; cousin, Arnie and Marsha Krause.Services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Kevin O’Brien officiating. Interment at Copley Cemetery with Military Honors by Copley VFW Post 7971.