Joseph Laurence Gudas Jr., of Leesburg, Ind., passed away at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at his residence.

He was born on May 11, 1927, in Foley, Ala., to Joseph L. and Antonio Agatha (Arndt) Gudas Sr. He attended high school in Winamac, Ind., and served in the United States Air Force. He married Marsha Kagon, who preceded him in death. On April 19, 1996, in Fort Wayne, Ind., he married Joan L. (Leedy) Williams who survives.

He was a self-employed plumbing and heating contractor in Fort Wayne for many years. He moved to the Leesburg area permanently in 2003 from Fort Wayne after coming to the lake for many years. He was a member of the North Webster Church of God, American Legion Post 253 in North Webster, Lakeland Kiwanis in North Webster and Shoaff Park Lions Club in Fort Wayne.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters: Cynthia Heckaman, New Haven, Ind.; Peggy (Michael) Miller, Goodyear, Ariz.; Rebecca (Richard) Boone, Columbia City; sons: Thomas (Janice) Williams, Pierceton; Michael (Carol) Williams, Leesburg; 11 grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren; three sisters: Mildred Redweik, Kewanna; Edwinna Martin, Winamac; Mary (Jim) Perry, Piqua, Ohio; and three brothers: Algrid (Erica) Gudas, Winamac; Edwin (Patty) Gudas, Kewanna; and Johanna Gudas, Winamac.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and two infant brothers.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Owen Family Funeral Home, SR 13 and CR 500 North, North Webster. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, March 17, at the funeral home with Pastor Dennis Judy officiating. Military services will follow at the funeral home by North Webster American Legion. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 17, in the Covington Memorial Cemetery, 8408 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, Ind.

Memorials may be given to the Joseph Gudas Funeral Fund, c/o Owen Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 72, North Webster, IN 46555.