John Leo Gaia

John Leo Gaia, CMSgt, USAF/ANG, 85, of Olive Branch, MS, an exceptional earthly servant of the LORD, was called home on Thursday, September 11, 2014. A true believer in the term, “GOD, family, and country”, Leo devoted his life to those pursuits with great zeal. Leo gave over forty years of military service to our nation. He served in the USAF/ANG from the time he enlisted in the 155th Flight Squadron in 1947. His primary duty was in the Air Operations field. He subsequently trained as an aircrew member which led him to the position of Chief Loadmaster of the 164th Air Transport Group. In the span of his service he accumulated more than 13,500 flying hours in the C-97, C-124, and C-130 aircraft. He performed missions though-out much of the free world including numerous combat support missions in Vietnam. Other missions were flown from Turkey to Thailand, from northern Alaska to South America and many countries between. Duty carried him to the Pacific region in 1962 to participate in flight testing equipment for the last air atomic test. For his noteworthy military service, Leo received many awards and personal decorations. Leo’s departure from earthly life was preceded by his parents, Bennie and Amelia Gaia and his brother, Bennie J. Gaia, all of the Levi community. After the tragic death of his wife, Sue Shellnut Gaia, Leo married Artie Marie Taylor who devoted herself to their happiness for over twenty years. Sadly, Artie died on August 13, 2014. Leo leaves many friends and associates in the Mid-South area: the Bowlins, Alexander and other Delta Airline friends in the Atlanta/Griffin, GA area and other military service members though-out the nation. Extended family members include his nieces, Angie Bell and Shannon Dunn, stepson Billy Wayne Taylor and his wife Kathy who provided Leo great care after the death of Artie. An individual with exceptional artistic vision, Leo excelled in woodworking and the art brush. He provided the “nose art” for a number of the 164th aircraft though the years. He also provided many of his friends with classic wood carvings depicting the history of his flying unit. Leo practiced his Christian faith as a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Southaven, MS where his art work is reflected in the annual Christmas scene displayed at the church. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014 from 9-10:30am and funeral mass will follow at 10:30am all at Christ the King Catholic Church, 785 Church Rd. W. Southaven. Interment will follow at 12:30pm at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Madonna Learning Center, 7007 Poplar Ave. Germantown.