L.D. Gudgel passed away from this life entering into his heavenly home with Jesus early Sunday morning. He moved to Sherman with his parents at the age of 7. L.D. attended Crockett Elementary School, Piner Jr. High and Sherman High School where he was a member of the Bearcat Band. He graduated in 1955. While a senior in high school he enlisted in the Texas National Guard and gained the rank of Sergeant. He was a member when the Guard was Mobilized to active duty during the Berlin Crisis.

L.D. married Cynthia Sue Covington in Pottsboro October 13, 1956. They were blessed with four children, David W. and wife Vicki of Sherman, Susan Hill and husband Tim of Colleyville, John L. and wife Phyllis of McKinney and Jim C. of Greenville.

L.D. began his career in law enforcement in 1957 as a dispatcher with the McKinney Police Department. At the age of 21 he joined the Sherman Police Department and was very proud to serve 36 yrs. He worked his way up the ranks from patrolman on the streets of downtown Sherman to Captain, retiring in 1994. He served as a federal court bailiff under Judge Paul Brown for several years.

He was a member of Key Memorial United Methodist Church in Sherman for over 30 years where he served in many ways; most especially he enjoyed serving as usher. More recently he was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church. L.D. enjoyed traveling and was able to visit much of the U.S. as well as Europe.

L.D. is survived by his wife of 61 years, three sons and a daughter, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Family visitation will be held at Waldo Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm. Graveside service will be held on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in Georgetown Cemetery north of Pottsboro. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Rev. Roy Sporer will officiate. Family request in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Grand Central Station for the "Green House Food Pantry" in memory of L.D. to: Grand Central Station P.O. Box 3173, Sherman, TX 75091; www.grandcentralsherman.com

Online guestbook can be signed at www.waldofuneralhome.com