Leonard Arthur Gadow

Leonard Arthur Gadow, “Ducky,” went to be with our Lord on Monday, January 19, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Leonard was on born May 26, 1943, the son of the late Leonard Edward Gadow and Laura Prahl Gadow. Leonard spent over forty years of his life as Owner/Operator of Gadow’s Body Shop in Preston, MD, where in later years his son, Bryan, joined the business. Leonard had an expertise in body restoration that has been recognized in national magazines. He also received awards for restoring antique vehicles to their original status. Most recently he became the proud owner of a 1978 Dodge Warlock. Mr. Gadow enjoyed his early years working on the family farms and assisting with the family business: Gadow’s Gravel, which served the State of Maryland and several County Roads. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and crabbing with his brothers and brother-in-law, J.R., as well as a multitude of special friends. Due to his family heritage, on his mother’s side, he had a passion for Indian artifacts and had a significant collection of arrowheads. Farming and gardening were a family trait that Ducky inherited. He and Carole tended their flower garden that deserved to be published in Southern Living Magazine. He has a signed posted in the garden which reads “A Little Peace of Heaven.” His brother-in-law, J.R., once said to him “You are going to work yourself to death in this garden” and he expressed that “There would be no better place to be.” He requested that his ashes be spread over this garden. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Carole Bateman Gadow; a son, Bryan Wade Gadow (Kim) of Federalsburg, MD; two daughters, Kristen Gadow Lednum, of, LaPlata, MD, and Jill Gadow Priestley (Jay) of Nashua, NH; his bothers, Donald E. Gadow (Glynda), of Amory, MS, Wayne M. Gadow (Sandy) of Amory, MS; three sisters, Joan Gadow Glime (Bill) of Salisbury, Helen Gadow Stone (Fred), Lake City, FL, and Bonnie Gadow Wooters, (J.R.) of Easton, MD. He also leaves to cherish his memory his grandchildren, Alyssa Lednum, Nathaniel Lednum, Macy, and her twin sisters - Isabella and Lila Priestley; as well as the Bateman Family, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by newborn twin sisters. He leaves behind his beloved dogs, Sadie and Maddy. Friends may visit and share with the family at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., 200 S. Harrison St., Easton, MD, on Thursday, January 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at the Unity-Washington United Methodist Church, Cabin Creek, Hurlock RD and Oak St., Hurlock, MD on Friday, January 23, at 11 a.m. A fellowship of sharing will be held after the church services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compass Regional Hospice, 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, Md. 21617, Bonnie Hilghman Cancer Fund, c/o Mid-Shore Community Foundation, The Bullitt House, 102 East Dover St., Easton, Maryland 21601 or the Preston Volunteer Fire Dept., 3680 Choptank Road, Preston, MD 21655.

Leonard Arthur Gadow

May 26, 1943 - January 19, 2015