Leroy Dearinger

Leroy Lambert Dearinger, 74, a lifelong resident of Apalachicola, died Thursday, June 25, 2009 at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Panama City.

He was born Sept. 15, 1934 to the late Leon and Annie Dearinger in Apalachicola. He served his country during the Korean Conflict as part of the U.S. Army. He was a retired secretary and was a member of Eastpoint Church of God.

Preceding him in death was his grandson, Justin Pate.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Katie L. Dearinger, of Apalachicola; a son, Leroy "Cookie" Dearinger, of Apalachicola; a daughter, Angela K. Pate, of Baton Rouge, LA; and four grandchildren: Anthony Pate, Jared Pate, Garrett Dearinger and Courtney Dearinger.

Funeral services were held June 28 at Eastpoint Church of God with Rev. Casey Smith officiating. Burial followed in Magnolia Cemetery, in Apalachicola.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted and viewed at www.southerlandfamily.com. Arrangements by Southerland Family Funeral Homes, Port St. Joe.