Leroy Wayne

Gilland

Leroy Wayne Gilland, age 86, formerly of Osgood, Indiana, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, November 10, 2026, in Hope, Indiana. Leroy was born on September 2, 1940, in Batesville, Indiana, the son of the late Virgil and Beulah (Sherrifff) Gilland.

Leroy grew up in the Osgood community, where his family owned and operated the former Gilland Furniture Store. Following his school years, Leroy answered the call to serve his country and proudly enlisted in the United States Army. During his military service, he came remarkably close to being involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. In fact, Leroy was aboard a plane preparing to deploy when the crisis was resolved, narrowly avoiding what could have been the beginning of war. His military service was something he carried with great pride throughout his life.

Leroy was a hardworking and dedicated man who believed in giving his best to whatever he pursued. He had worked for the Town of Osgood in his younger years and later began a successful career in manufacturing. Through determination, knowledge, and a strong work ethic, he worked his way up to the position of Quality Assurance Manager for Johnson Controls. He also spent time working at BCA in Greensburg. Even retirement couldn't keep Leroy from staying busy, as he later went to work for the Department of Homeland Security.

Throughout his life, Leroy called several states home, including Indiana, Arizona, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. No matter where life took him, his roots and memories of Osgood remained part of his story.

Leroy was an accomplished outdoorsman and an exceptionally gifted marksman. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and the American Legion. His talent for shooting extended well beyond a casual hobby, as he proudly earned two national shooting championships in Canada. He particularly enjoyed black powder shooting, bear hunting in Canada, deer hunting, and participating in Civil War reenactments. These interests provided him with countless memories, friendships, and stories to share over the years.

Perhaps one of the greatest reflections of Leroy's character was his outlook on life. He often remarked that he had been very blessed and had no complaints. His faith and acceptance of life's journey were reflected in his belief that the Lord had given him life, and the Lord would be the one to take it. It was a simple but powerful philosophy that spoke to the contentment, gratitude, and faith with which Leroy approached his years.

Leroy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Gilland; his parents, Virgil and Beulah Gilland; and his son-in-law, William O'Briant, and Ryan Littleton.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandra (William Robert Jr.) Ward, Angela (Brian) McKinley, and Jean O'Briant; sister, Carlene Talbert; nephew, Shawn Gilland; grandchildren, Linsay Ward, Meaghann Littleton, Delaney Ward, Hannah Kroner, Hayden Kroner, Christopher O'Briant, and Billy O'Briant; and great-grandson, Rayce Littleton.

Leroy lived a full life marked by service to his country, dedication to his work, a passion for the outdoors, and an unwavering appreciation for the blessings he had been given. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a reminder that a life well lived is not measured by the years alone, but by the experiences, friendships, and family shared along the way.

Leroy will be laid to rest, by his wife Patricia, with military honors on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Online condolences may be placed at www.nealsfuneralhome.net.

Neal's Funeral Home of Osgood, Indiana, is honored to assist the family with arrangements.