Librado "Lalo" Anaya Gayton

Librado "Lalo" Anaya Gayton of Saginaw, Michigan 

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend passed away at the all too young age of 44, peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Select Specialty Hospital. Librado "Lalo" Anaya Gayton was born on February 19, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan, to Librado "Larry" and the late Christina (Anaya) Gayton. He was a proud 1998 graduate of Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Lalo was a skilled and excellent dancer. As a young boy and teenager, he danced with the Xochiquetzal Ballet Folklorico where he danced throughout the state and country. Following High School, he worked for three months at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and often said they were "the best three months of his life". Lalo then attended Grand Valley State University for a year. He met the love of his life, Leah Lennell-Delosa Keyes, serendipitously at a work gathering. Lalo waited all evening to ask her to dance and they ended the night with a magical kiss. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage February 23, 2011, in Tennessee, she survives him. The absolute highlight and joy of his life was to be a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Lalo loved music and was a gifted and talented musician. One of his proudest memories was playing the violin for Coretta Scott King. An avid reader, Lalo enjoyed science fiction, especially "Lord of the Rings", "Star Wars", and anything written by Stephen King. He and Leah dedicated their entire lives to the love and support of their children, whether it was spending time camping, or just being all together at home, Lalo was the quintessential family man. Lalo loved all animals, but his dog, "JuJu", held a very special place in his heart. He also was fascinated by films directed by Wes Anderson. Lalo will forever be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, for his ability to stay calm and provide strength to anyone in need, and for truly living a life filled with many beautiful memories and stories. 

Surviving are his beloved wife of 13 years, Leah Gayton of Saginaw; three sons and a daughter: Librado Isaiah Gayton of Saginaw; Noah Cabo Gayton of Saginaw; Dailynn Miranda Ball of Saginaw; Peyton Michael Keyes of Saginaw; four grandchildren: Amaylleigh Hegler, Paisley Hegler, Mateo Gayton, and Elianna Gayton; father, Deacon Librado "Larry" Gayton of Saginaw; sister, Mirasol "Soli" Gayton of Saginaw; brother, Santiago Gayton of Grand Rapids; three nieces and a nephew: Elena Medina, Michaela Gayton, Gavin Williams, and Olivia Williams; sister-in-law, Krystin Williams of Tennessee; and his brothers, LP 4 Life. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Christina Gayton; grandparents: Marcos and Manuela Anaya and Luciano Gayton and Elizabeth Jimenez. 

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Fr. Francis Voris OFM Cap will officiate. Honoring the families wishes, cremation will follow the service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening. Lalo will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Saginaw County Humane Society. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.