Gary Walter Fleagle, 72, of Coldwater, MI, Port Saint Lucie, FL, & Springfield, OH was united with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
Gary was born to Stanley and Augusta Fleagle on October 1, 1949 in Edison, New Jersey. He grew up the oldest of 3 with his younger twin siblings trailing 5 years behind him. Gary accomplished becoming an Eagle Scout at a young age, which he often reminded us of over the years. He had a love for baseball and ice hockey but always had a special place in his heart for music. He went on to college to further his love for music and graduated from Lebanon Valley College with his Master’s Degree majoring in Music Education. He was the lead singer for the Gospel Echoes starting in 1972 and traveled to hundreds of churches to sing and share Christ’s love. He had a beautiful singing voice and went on to be the worship leader and choir director for more than one church over the years. Gary wrote, recorded, and published many songs for RBM Ministries, various Bible Schools, and children’s choirs. He taught band and choir for over 35 years, working with thousands of middle and high school students and ended his initial teaching career at Legg Middle School in Coldwater, MI in 2007. After retirement, he found much joy in substitute teaching for music in elementary schools in multiple states. Gary also excelled in financial planning and helped multiple people by teaching them to be good stewards of their finances.
Gary thoroughly enjoyed watching his daughters succeed and loved creating music with them. He taught them to always be prepared, to be financially smart, and to always be a good witness. He enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports, being a part of multiple bands, and most importantly spending quality time with them. Gary loved to travel and was blessed to have multiple road trips with family and friends. Gary was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer in January of 2022, he chose to focus on quality of life. God continued to use him despite his illness and he focused on the fact that he would one day be healed. He had a deep love for sharing the gospel and had devoted his entire adult life to Christ. His passion was to see everyone receive Christ as their personal Savior and he never considered anyone a stranger. He enjoyed going on mission trips and supporting the missionaries to further spread the gospel. Gary was a member of Coldwater Free Methodist Church while living in MI and is currently a member of Grace Emmanuel Church in Port Saint Lucie, FL, and also attended Forest Valley Free Will Church while in Springfield, OH.
Gary is survived by his wife of 17 years, Connie J. Fleagle; daughter, Jessica Patten (Fleagle) of Grand Rapids, MI; daughter, Heidi (Nate) Tagert (Fleagle) of Port Saint Lucie, FL; step-daughters, Cheri (Sean) Meyers of Springfield, OH; Heather (Dave) Flanagan of Centerburg, OH; step-son, Shawn Taylor of South Charleston, OH; grandchildren, Thomas, Jane, & Clara Patten; Landunn & Mya Tagert; Molly, Amanda, Matthew, & Nicholas Meyers; Carlie Flanagan; Lexi, Loran, & Grace Flanagan; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Greyson, & Isabella; siblings, Russell (Jill) Fleagle; Marge Winter; and many nieces & nephews. Gary was proceeded in death by his parents; Stanley & Augusta Fleagle, step-father, Earl Crowe; brother-in-law, William Winter, and daughter, Bridgette Fleagle.
The family will be holding a memorial service on Saturday August 20, 2022, at 11:00am, with family visitation from 9am – 9:30am and open visitation from 9:30-11am, at the Coldwater Free Methodist Church, of Coldwater, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to; Reach a Village, P.O. Box 577, Park Forest, IL 60466, www.reachavillage.org, & Grace Emmanuel Church, 707 Kitterman Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952, www.GraceEmmanuel.com/online-giving.
Comments