Leroy G Gunning

Leroy G. Gunning, 94, of Thornton, CO, and formerly of Kankakee, died on November 21, 2013. He is survived by his children, Thomas Gunning, Terry (Lori Guderyon) Gunning, Debra (Leonard) Born, and David (Janet) Gunning; 7 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. His wife, Jane, preceded him in death. Leroy grew up in Beach City, Ohio with his parents. An only child he spent many of his summers from a young age on the farm of his maternal grandparents nearby. He was the ""baby brother"" of his mother's many younger siblings. His father was a mechanic and sold Ford products including tractors and auto products and his mother maintained the family home. He attended Beech City schools and graduated from high school there. He attended the University of Akron from 1939 to 1941 where he met his future wife Jane Shaffer. He acquired the nickname Tom (his father's name) as an undergraduate. He entered the US Army in November 1941 and he and Jane were married in September 1942 shortly after receiving his commission. He served in active duty as a 2nd and 1st lieutenant in the Third Army infantry and other units in North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Italy. He received the Silver Star twice and the Bronze Star once. He was injured near Salerno in 1943 and eventually returned to the states and stationed in Florida for much of the remainder of the war. After recuperating from his injuries, he was admitted to the School of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his DVM in 1950 and relocated with his wife and son Tom to Kankakee, Illinois. There, he began his veterinary practice with other Ohio State graduates who had previously moved to Kankakee. As the family grew, they moved to Bradley, Illinois and he started a new practice with Dr. Francis Murray in Kankakee in the early 1960's. During that time, he switched from a mostly large animal practice to a small animal practice. He was active in many civic organizations including Rotary International, the Asbury United Methodist Church, and the Elks. He served in leadership roles in the Bradley Schools PTAs and later served several years on the Bradley school board. He retired from his veterinary practice at age 75. He was greatly missed by his colleagues, clients, and patients. Shortly after retirement, he and Jane moved to Thornton, Colorado where he resided until his death. A Committal Service will be held on Wednesday, November 27th at 11:30am at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area B, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Please share your memories of Leroy and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook below.