Gary E. Leyda, 89, of Franklin, passed away at 9:35 P.M. on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the Caring Place following a sudden illness. 

He was born January 3, 1937 in Franklin and was the son of the late Alfred and Florence Snyder Leyda. 

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Navy in a career spanning nearly four decades. He enjoyed attending ship reunions for the USS Boston throughout the United States with the most recent being in Franklin, TN. 

He was a longtime member of the Titusville American Legion Post 368 where he served as Chaplain. Each year he was seen in full uniform participating in the Titusville Memorial Day program. Gary was also a member of the Franklin Elk's Lodge #110. 

On April 20, 1963, he married the love of his life, the former Mabel L. Hays at the Hickory Grove Church of God and she preceded him in death on October 25, 2012. 

He is survived by by five nieces and nephews; James J. Fonzo Jr. of Wichita, KS, Margaret R. "Peggy" Sutley of Dempseytown, Edward L. Fonzo of Franklin, Danny T. Fonzo of Utica and Sharon K. Hoover of Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters, Helen Fonzo and Connie Whalen. 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin, where family and friends are welcome from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

A funeral service will follow at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dr. Darrell Greenawalt, of Christ Church Franklin, officiating.

 Gary will receive full Military Honors rendered by the V.E.T.S Honor Guard at the start of the funeral service.

 He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Hickory Grove Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be sent by visiitng huffguthrie.com.