Memorial Services Set For Author Elmore Leonard

CLAWSON (WWJ) - A large crowd is expected at a visitation, Friday, for crime novelist Elmore Leonard, who passed away this week.

Meantime, condolence messages are pouring in on the funeral home website — one from famed horror and science fiction author, Stephen King.

"Our thoughts and prayers our with the entire Leonard family during this difficult time. - Love, Stephen & Lorri King"

Another message reads: "I will miss Mr. Leonard coming through my line at the grocery store. No matter how famous, he always had a kind word for us. He was a real "people person". I have read many of his novels and enjoyed all his references to the Detroit area. My deepest sympathy to your family. - Darlene Koerner." [Read more].

Leonard, a local legend and publishing icon, died at his Oakland County home Tuesday morning after suffering a stroke early this month. He was 87-years-old.

Many of his books – notably "Out of Sight," "Get Shorty" and "Be Cool" – have become films. "Life of Crime," which is based on Leonard's "The Switch," is to be screened at the Toronto Film Festival next month.

Leonard also wrote the story "Fire in the Hole" — featuring edgy cowboy cop Raylan Givens —which became the basis for the pilot episode of the popular FX network series "Justified" in 2010.

Visitation will be at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road in Clawson (between 14-15 Mile Roads) Friday 2-8p.m. Funeral Mass at Holy Name Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Saturday 11a.m. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10 a.m.

Memorials may be sent to Maryknoll Sisters, P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, New York 10545-0317.

Obituary and condolences at lynchfuneraldirectors.com.