Garth was born in Merkel, TX to Sam and Opal McLeod. He went to school in Merkel and graduated from Merkel High School. Garth married Wanda Flippin in Abilene in 1956 and was married for 53 years. Garth and Wanda raised four children who were Garths numberone priority. He was wonderful father and husband. His family was the most important thing in his life.
Garth owned and operated a commercial tile business for 50 years before retiring in 2006. Garth said of all his work that he had done, he was the most proud of the Natatorium in BryanCollege Station, TX and the Tree of Life at PanAmerican College in Edinburgh, TX. Many people told Garth the Tree of Life looked like it was inspired by God.
Garth loved horses he owned and raced them most of his life. He was especially proud of his horse, Rock N Fire. She had won every race he entered her in Texas then moved on to Los Alamitos, CA. with similar success. His other love was his farm southeast of town where he farmed wheat. After he would get his land plowed and wheat planted, it was fun time. He had several old tractors he loved to work on. Some days he would stay there all day working on his tractors. Garth had a place in Ruidosa in which he loved to go after all the farming was done. He enjoyed the mountains where it was nice and cool and watched the horse races.
Garths children remember him as a very strong Christian man who would listen to their problems, give some advice which was not what they always wanted to hear, and would let them make their own decisions. That helped them to be independent and to think for themselves as they grew up. His children had great respect for the father.
Garth was a true gentleman and his word was stronger than steel. If he told you something, he meant it. You didnt need it in writing. That is just the way it was.
Garth was a true, honest, caring, and loving man and cannot be replaced. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The world has lost a great man.
Garth was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, David McLeod
Survivors include his wife Wanda his daughter Sharon Reid and husband Greg and their children Katie, Kellie, and Suzie Hall daughter Michel Manfredonia and son Barry McLeod and wife Julie and their children Matt and Morgan brother Robert McLeod and wife Judy and children brother Jerry McLeod and wife Billie and children sister Jan Rivera and husband Ray and children and sister Sue Tucker
A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 25, 2010 at Elmwood Memorial Park, 5750 Hwy 277 South, under the direction of Elmwood Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 1726 Butternut, Abilene, TX 79602
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