Gerald Wayne Leavell

August 4, 1943 - May 29, 2023

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visitation

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Saturday 6/3, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

service

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Saturday 6/3, 4:30 pm

Gerald W. “Gerry” Leavell, of Lafayette, IN passed away Monday, May 29, 2023, after a long battle with heart disease. He was born August 4, 1943, the third child and only son of the late Gerald E. and Beatrice V. (Heathcoat) Leavell in Elwood, IN. Gerry, son of a minister, attended Wheatland High School his High School Freshman year, then moved to Washington, IN, where he graduated Washington High School in 1961. While in High School, he participated in basketball, football and baseball for the Hatchets. In 1966, he graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Physical Education and English. Upon graduation, he became an English teacher at Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School, where he was also the yearbook advisor and assistant football coach, with responsibility for the offensive and defensive lines. In 1969 he became head football coach at Clinton Prairie High School in Frankfort, IN. In 1973 he accepted a position as head football coach, assistant basketball coach, Athletic Director, and English teacher at Hiawatha High School in Kirkland, IL.

In 1975, he left teaching and coaching when he and his wife, Sharon, moved to Lafayette, where he entered the insurance industry. After a term as Regional Director for a life insurance company, he started the Leavell Agency in Lafayette as a multi-lines insurance agency. He obtained his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation in 1983, and his CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) in 1993.

In addition to his parents, Gerry is preceded in death by a sister, Joyce A. Gibson.

He is survived by his wife of Sharon (Sondgerath) Leavell, sister Sharon K. Hill, two daughters by a prior marriage, Amy L. Shell and Amanda D. Pope (Scott); a son, Anthony W. Leavell, grandson Michael I. Leavell, and a granddaughter Emily F. Leavell.

Gerry enjoyed reading, NASCAR, as well as sporting activities including football, basketball, and baseball. He also loved golf, although the games’ love for him would be questionable. In addition, after retiring in 2006, he and his wife Sharon enjoyed their retirement by traveling. In addition to traveling the United States, they were able to travel to Istanbul, St Petersburg, Mexico, Greece, China and many countries within Europe as well as the Panama Canal and the Amazon River to Mancus.

Visitation will be from 3:30 pm until the time of the service at 4:30 pm on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Soller-baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN 47909.

Those wishing may contribute in Gerry’s name to a charity of their choice.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Jay Leavell

James and Danielle Godsey

Vivian Scott

Sharon R Leavell

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Saturday 6/3, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Saturday 6/3, 4:30 pm

Send Flowers & Gifts

See Condolences

I JUST SAY THAT COACH HAS PASSED. REST IN PEACE COACH. I GOT MY FOOTBALL LETER AT CLINTON PRAIRIE THE FIRST YEAR HE WAS THE HEAD COACH. GOE BLESS YOUR WIFE AND ALL FAMILY MEMBERS WITH GREAT MEMORIES OF HIM TODAY.

Dear Sharon and family, We are so sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. I know he will be greatly missed by all of you. He was a special man in man ways. Our sincere condolences go out to you. May you find comfort in the many happy memories you have of him. Sincerely, Dianne and Kevin O'Kane

Thank you for being there for me in my childhood Grandpa.

Mr. Leavell was one of my favorite teachers. I was an insecure junior high student at Clinton Prairie, and Mr. Leavell was my English teacher. He was able to bring me out of my shell, and he made a huge difference in my life. Everyone in our class adored him. Thirty years later I taught first grade in Terre Haute, and was surprised to find out that one of my students was his grandson! What a blessing and a privilege to teach the grandson of one of my favorite teachers. Many prayers and condolences for the entire family.

In memory of Gerald Wayne Leavell, James and Danielle Godsey lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are sorry for your loss. Condolences to you and family.

Dear Sharon and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr Leavell's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers. We had so much fun in his class but of course learned a lot too. He was the best Driver's Ed teacher. I have many fun memories of the jokes he used to pull on us while teaching us to drive. He definitely is one if the best memories I have of Clinton Prairie. Again, so sorry. Lynnette Stewart Griffis, Class of 1974

In memory of Gerald Wayne Leavell, Vivian Scott lit a candle

The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Sharon, Gerald's children, his grandchildren, and his extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.

In memory of Gerald Wayne Leavell, Sharon R Leavell lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.