Lawrence Gleason

Vernon Lawrence (Larry) Gleason, 97, passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord in Heaven on February 27, 2024. Lawrence was preceded in death by his beloved wife and lifelong love Clearine, his parents DA, Sr and Blanche Gleason, his sisters Jean and Jenny and his brothers DA, Linwood and Bill.

He is survived by his only son Vernon L (Lon) Gleason, Jr (Tammy) and 2 grandchildren: Matthew (Ashley) with their 3 children (Miles, Parker, Asher) and Mallory (Micah) with their 2 children (Cyrus, Etta), his sister-in-law Helen Hoover and several nieces and nephews. His extended family grew to include 3 grandchildren by marriage and their children. He also leaves behind many friends, neighbors, caregivers and his church family.

Born August 29, 1926, he was raised on a small farm in Virginia. He drove a school bus during high school. He entered the Army one week after graduating high school. He served in post-World War II as a Military Policeman in Rome, Italy before being honorably discharged. Once home, he was employed by C&O Railway while he attended United Radio/Television School and was certified upon completion in 1951. He worked in radio/television/intercom in Harrisonburg, VA before being hired as an electrical inspector for Glen L Martin Aircraft Company in 1952. During his tenure there he worked with the building and testing of the USAF B-61 Martin Matador Pilotless Bomber. He transferred to Florida in 1954 to participate in the launching of the Matador. Lawrence continued to work at Martin, later called Martin Marietta for over 30 years working with the Titan rocket booster aerospace program until his retirement.

Lawrence loved his family dearly and was loved and cherished in return. If there was a need, he always stepped up to help. He enthusiastically enjoyed fishing with friends and family. He also served as Vice President of Save the St. Johns, a river preservation group. He enjoyed bowling with his bride and won several tournaments over the years. He will be missed at First Baptist of PSJ where he served faithfully in many capacities.

Lawrence modeled his Christian faith for his family and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you give a donation to The First Baptist Church of Port St. John at https://www.firstbaptistpsj.org

A visitation for Lawrence will be held Friday, March 8, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Following the funeral, Lawrence will be laid to rest at Brevard Memorial Park, 320 Spring St, Cocoa, FL 32927.