Lawrence "Larry" Gaige, age 99, passed peacefully April 23, 2020. Larry was born April 2, 1921 to Della and Melvin Gaige in Manchester, Michigan. Preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Jean of 71 years, his granddaughter Kerry Jean Boardman, family Ky Whitmore, son-in-law Dr. Barry Collier. Larry was the last of 11 children. Larry is survived by his three children, Judy Collier, Randy Gaige and Terry Gaige, 3 grandchildren Kami McClung (Jamie), Harley Gaige, Ragina Gaige, 5 greats and 10 great, greats. Larry was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He was trained in the Medical field and was assigned to Vaughn General Hospital in Chicago, where many patients arrived from the war, mostly from Germany. Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek was next, then stationed at the Medical Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Larry received orders to Korea. He was assigned to Front Line Medic where he cared for the wounded and the dead. When he returned to United States his next assignment was Ft. Carson Hospital in Colorado where he and his family enjoyed five years. Larry was then assigned to Landstuhl Hospital in Germany where he would preside over 445 soldiers. Larry was the Boy Scout Master on base and each Christmas he was the Hospital Santa Claus. His last assignment was The Pentagon, Washington D.C. where he retired in 1962. He was proud and honored to serve our country. He said the Military provided a successful career and happy life for his family. He always hoped the Army would call him back even in his 90's because he would do it all over again. He had a wish he could go back and see the Pentagon one more time and his nephew Charlie Gaige and wife Andra in 2014 at age 93 took him on his last road trip to the Pentagon and the National Cemetery in Washington D.C. He was so happy and one of the Highlights of his life. He couldn't stop talking about it and was so grateful. Another one of his happiest memories was when he took his loving wife to Paris, France, they had the time of their life After Larry retired he opened a Pet Shop in Virginia and Michigan. He raised Collies, Tropical Fish, Exotic Birds and was a Vendor at Shows. He was very active in the Shriners as President and Potentate raising money for the Shriners Hospitals, Special Olympics. Larry was a successful Realtor and did this for many years. Traveling, entertaining and accommodating guests was what they looked forward to. Wherever Larry and Jean lived, their home was a ''vacation destination" for family and friends. Larry was quick witted and the life of a party. He always had an adventurous agenda for company. Boating, horseback riding, touring the area where they lived and great meals. Larry spent his last years at Brooklyn Living Center. Larry enjoyed his apartment, the friendly residents plus the staff. The Managers Amy and Lynzi always made sure he had whatever he needed. He was always ready for the social events, Red Lobster his favorite restaurant and the bus trips. Larry had a generous heart and enjoyed buying ice cream, silk flowers and watches for others. Each year he shared his birthday party, including entertainment for all the residents and his family. Larry wrote a book, A Memoir titled "My Life." What a Wonderful Legacy. He will be Forever Loved and Our Hero. Military Honors and Burial will be 1:30 PM Friday, June 26, 2020, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd. Augusta, Michigan.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Lawrence "Larry" Gaige, please visit our floral store.