Leo M. Dempsey, 75, a Fontana native, died Saturday, July 12, 1997 at his home in Olathe.

Mike, as he was known, was the son of John Garrett and Beulah Altona Harbour Dempsey and was born Sept. 26, 1921, at Fontana.

He was a master equipment chief in the United States Navy during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He retired in 1969 after more than 27 years in the service.

He was married to Beverly "Jean" Carruthers on Jan. 26, 1946, in Atchison, Kan.

Mr. Dempsey was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Paola, Fleet Reserve Association, Olathe Trail Riders and Mid-America Saddle Club.

Preceding him in death were his parents, five brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are his wife, Jean Dempsey of the home; two sons, John Dempsey of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Michael Dempsey of Blue Springs, Mo.; a daughter, Anna Marie Dempsey of Dallas, Texas; A sister, Anna Bell Cassidy of Rantoul; and two grandchildren.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. today (Monday) at the Wilson and Son Chapel in Paola, followed by a visitation from 7 to 8 p.m. The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Olathe. The Rev. Frank Berger will officiate. Marilyn Peterson will be the organist, and the songs will include "How Great Thou Art" and "Prayer of St. Francis."

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, rural Paola. Pallbearers will be Richard K. Dempsey, Eric Dempsey, Mike Burns, Bob Workman, John Robert Cassidy and Bob Reitinger. Bill Reitinger will servce in the honorary capacity.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Olathe Medical Center.

From the Miami County Republic 7-14-97