Obituary of Leonard M. Gaumes

*The spring burial for Leonard M. Gaumes will be held at the St. James Cemetery in Gouverneur on Friday, May 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. FOWLER – Leonard "Lenny" M. Gaumes, age 78, of Fowler, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at home under the care of his family and hospice. Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a time for sharing memories following at 3:00 p.m. Burial in the New St. James Cemetery will be in the spring. Lenny was born on April 9, 1939 in Edwards to the late Manuel G. and Nancy (Rowe) Gaumes. He attended Gouverneur Central School and was educated at BOCES, learning his skills in welding, electrical systems and carpentry. Lenny served a term in the United States Army in 1958 and was called again to serve in 1962 during the Korean Conflict. He was lucky enough to have the Conflict end before he was sent overseas. He married Donna Holt on February 27, 1965 at the St. James Catholic Church by Father John Ohler. Leonard began working for Vanity Fair Paper Mill in Natural Dam (later becoming Groveton Paper) and worked there until becoming the Maintenance/Repairman for Gouverneur Talc from 1969 until his retirement in 2003. Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping; working in his garage, yard, and garden; and watching sports, especially his grandchildren's sporting events. He was one hell of a family man; he was a good husband, father, grandfather and uncle. Lenny was a jokester, always picking on people in a good-natured way. He was a former member of the Rainbow Hunting Club and a member of the Gouverneur American Legion. His survivors include his wife, Donna Gaumes; daughter, Lori A. Eddy; son and daughter-in-law, Robin M. and Cindy Gaumes; a sister and brother-in-law, Georgianna and Howard Rice; and his mother-in-law, Cecile Holt. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Danny Jenkins, Carl J. Eddy, Abby Gaumes, Kyle Gaumes; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; a brother, Manuel Gaumes, Jr.; and three sisters, Lillian Law, Anita Marsh and Anna Marsh. Donations in memory of Lenny may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons Street, Syracuse NY 13057 C/o LaFargeville C.S. Basketball Club. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.