Willard E. Gatch

Willard E. Gatch went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 1,2012, in his 100th year. He was a native Floridian born in Altoona on April 8, 1912 to Edson Burton and Minnie Mae Lee Getch. Willard came from a pioneering family and worked on the family farm alongside his five siblings - Thelma, Frank, Fred, Charles and Lewis. The family were active members of Altoona Baptist Church. Willard received Christ as his Savior when he was 12 years old. His grandfather, E.C. Getch was one of five deacons that started Altoona Baptist Church.
In 1935 he married Laurell Mildred Horney. They enjoyed raising their two beautiful daughters together. A man of integrity, a man of faithfulness, a man of sacrifice, he provided for his family as a farmer and citrus grower. Even in retirement he kept a garden and worked his citrus grove. He graciously shared with his family and friends from both. They celebrated 57 years together before her death in 1992.
In the Fall of 1993 he met Ruth Mongraw at church. A dear and abiding friendship developed that remained strong through the years. She became a special and endearing member of the family at large. They were active members at New Hope Baptist Church in Leesburg. As a trustee he helped provide guidance, he enjoyed singing in the choir and played the washboard in their special old timers band!
Willard was predeceased by his wife, Mildred; his sister, Thelma; brothers Frank, Fred, and Charles; and his grandson-in-love Bruce Speers.
Remaining to carry on his legacy is his sweetheart Ruth Mongraw; his daughters Marion and Helen; his grandchildren: Judy Revels, Diane Spires, Gary Spires, Valerie Springfield, Donna Speers, Karen (Chuck) Minish, Jeff (Dana) Hiers, and Kathleen (Chuck) Shanks; great-grandchildren: Shawn (Jessica) Revels; Matthew Meade, Alicia Spires, Joshua (Erin) Spires; Laura, Samuel Springfield; Priscilla, Hannah Speers; Ryan, Rachel, and Jeffrey Minish; Patrick, Joshua Kahoun, Jonah Bennett, and Jake Hiers; his great-great grandchilden: Kayla Revels; Olivia Meade; Landon and Bryce Spires; his brother Lewis (Sue), as well as a host of family and friends.
We look forward to worshiping with him at the throne of God.
Services will be held at New Life Baptist Church, 10035 Poe Street @ Radio Road, Leesburg on Monday, February 06, 2012 at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Pine Forest Cemetery, Mount Dora. The family will receive friends at the New Life Baptist Church at 10 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Life Baptist Church or Cornerstone Hospice - Cardiac, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, 32778. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.