John Gilbert Lacey, Sr. 77, of Clements, MD, died June 22, 2010 at his home. Born May 8, 1933 in Clements, MD he was the son of the late Walter and Minnie Lacey.

John leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Anita Lacey whom he married June 21, 1952 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bushwood, MD.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son Robert "Bobby" Bowles, as well an infant child Brenda Eileen Lacey.

John is survived by his children John Gilbert Lacey, Jr., James Francis Lacey, Agnes Marie Lacey, Mary Virginia Rice and Barbara Eileen Jones. Siblings: Shirley Knott of Chaptico, MD; Dorothy Trossbach of Abell, MD; Ed Lacey, Howard Lacey, Joe Lacey of Avenue, MD; and Andrew Lacey of Compton, MD.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his sister's Louise Mattingly, Ann Cheseldine, Theresa Thompson and Margaret Hill.

John is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Mr. Lacey was a life - long St. Mary's County farmer and also worked for the State Road Administration where he retired from after 30 years. He enjoyed gardening, playing cards and the fiddle in his younger days. John had a strong commitment to family and enjoyed just sitting back and eating hard crabs or sitting in the front of the garage playing with his dogs. He was such a giving person with a heart of gold.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Mattingly - Gardiner Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Prayers will be said at 7:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday June 25, 2010 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jason William Rice, Robert Lacey, Joe Lacey, Clyde Farrell, John Ira Nelson and Charles B. Nelson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650 and A.C.T.S. (A Community that shares) P.O. Box 54, Bushwood, MD 20618.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.