Obituary of Leo Eugene Gervais

Leo E. Gervais Sr. June 28, 1928-May 7, 2017 Leo Gervais Sr. passed on to the loving arms of God due to complications from Alzheimer's disease while residing in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He was born to Eugene and Marie Gervais on June 28, 1928, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island where he grew up with his sister, Rita. At age 17, eager to serve his country in World War II, Leo enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Princeton as well as at the US Naval Station in Hawaii. Leo was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was discharged from the USN at Treasure Island in 1949. Leo's military career extended beyond his service in the Navy. He also served in the Nevada ANG and retired after over 20 years of duty. He was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award, Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Commendation Medal, and many others including selection as the Airman of the Year in his unit. He also managed the NCO club at the base bringing much cheer to the airmen. Soon after his discharge from the Navy, Leo married Shirley Francis and took on the role of father to her son. Together, they moved to Sparks, Nevada and had two more children. Leo insured that his children were well taken care of and always went out of his way to make holidays and birthdays special. Leo also faithfully worked part time at the Liberty Belle Saloon and restaurant in Reno, Nevada. He was a charter member of the Julia C. Bullette Chapter of E. Clampus Vitus located in Virginia City, Nevada and later served as Humbug. Leo was blessed to meet and marry his lovely wife Juanita in 1973 and once again took on the role of father to her daughter. After his retirement from the Nevada ANG, Leo and Juanita began to develop property in Grass Valley, California. They tirelessly planted hundreds of pine saplings that would grow into a forest of Christmas trees for many residents of the Grass Valley Community. They attended horticulture classes at the community college in Rocklin, California. This passion inspired the development of what became the very successful "Happy Frog" Nursery. After selling the nursery, they moved to Auburn and later Yuba City, California. They purchased a motor home and became full timers on the motor home trail. Leo and Juanita later became Wagon Masters for the Holiday Ramblers RV Club and led numerous caravans crisscrossing the United States from coast to coast making great friends along the way. Leo also earned his Ham Radio Operators license and talked to other radio operators all over the world. After several years as full timers, they purchased a home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Leo was a member of the Moose, Elks, and Eagles Lodges. Leo and Juanita are member of Calvary Baptist Church. Leo is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dora; wife, Shirley and daughter, Diana. He is survived by his sister, Rita Shepherd, of Greenfield, MA; wife, Juanita Gervais; daughter, Tina Joksch, of Lake Havasu City, AZ; son, Leo Gervais Jr., of Colorado Springs, CO; step-son, Larry Larson, of Carson City, Nevada; step-daughter, Stephanie Gervais Smithwick Nelson, of Jonesboro, AR; four grandson, one granddaughter; great-grandson as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Havasu or the Dementia Connection of Havasu. Memorial services will be held May 28, 2017 at 3:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church, McCulloch Campus, 1605 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Services were placed in the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card to the family, go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.