BROWNSTOWN

Leon Gossman, 95, of Brownstown, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Born May 20, 1921, in Brownstown, he was the son of Charles and Viola McCormick Gossman, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 5, 1948, he married Ruth V. Gillaspy, who survives.

Leon was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II and was aboard the U.S.S. Baldwin at Omaha Beach at the Battle of Normandy. On May 19, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower boarded his ship to ready the troops for the invasion. He retired as a machine repairman for Detroit Diesel Allison in Indianapolis and was a member of the United Auto Workers. He served many years as a volunteer fireman. He was a member of the Friends Church in West Newton and attended Brownstown Presbyterian Church after his moved back to Jackson County. He enjoyed family traveling and camping trips all over the United States.

Other survivors include his two sons, Edward L. Gossman of Indianapolis and James A. Gossman of Bloomington.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond, and three sisters, Ethel, Lucille and Lorena.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until noon Thursday at Spurgeon Funeral Home Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Brownstown. Military honors will be presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled American Veterans 47 and Vietnam Vets 7.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to SouthernCare Hospice Services.

Online memorials and condolences may be shared at spurgeonfh.com.