1923
Willard
2011
Willard Leisure
August 18, 1923 — December 18, 2011
Willard Foster Leisure, 88, went home to be with Jesus, Sunday, December 18, 2011 after a lingering illness at the home of his eldest son, Dennis G. Leisure of Plymouth.He and his wife, Dorthy took loving care of Willard his last few weeks.He previously had been a resident of Brethren Care Village, Brookwood Place of Ashland for about four and half years.
Willard was born August 18, 1923 in Sparta, Ill.He was the eldest son of Charles F. Leisure and Lena May Graham Leisure.His family moved to Ohio County, Ky. when he was an infant.He attended McHenry School in Ky.He married Margaret Alene Stone Leisure on June 17, 1946; she was received into heaven on December 30, 2009.Soon after their marriage they moved to Ashland County, Ohio.Also preceding him in death was, their middle son, Donald W. Leisure, Willard’s parents, and brothers, Chester and Marvin Leisure, who died in infancy, brothers, Charles Clifford Leisure of Polk and William B. (Bill) Leisure of Ashland, and sisters, Grace P. Hillard and Margaret L. Beasley, both of Kentucky.
Willard is survived by one brother, Orville Eugene of Pensacola, FL, three daughters; Marilyn (Averal) Phillips of New Matamoras, Oh, Norma (Robert) Yancer of Nankin, and Phyllis Mekoleske of Adario, two sons; Dennis (Dorthy) Leisure of Plymouth, and Roger (Linda) Leisure of Loudonville, 16 grandchildren and 48 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.Willard worked in the CCC camp in Ky., and a steel mill in Chicago as a young man.He always sent money home to his mother to help the family.He joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise Aircraft carrier which earned The Presidential Unit Citation.That ship was the most decorated ship during World War II.He served as an Aviation Boatswains Mate 3
rd
Class.He was awarded 2 silver and 3 bronze stars and other awards.Willard retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the Ohio Operating Engineers.He was also a semi truck driver.He was an accomplished musician and played several instruments including guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, and harmonica.He was musically creative to be able to play multiple instruments simultaneously. He entertained residents and families in several music groups at Brethren Care Village where he made many friends.He and his loving wife of 60 plus years, were both members of North Fairfiield Church of God, and enjoyed singing on Christian Radio and TV, and in many churches.They also traveled with a gospel group in many states.Their children and grandchildren share in their musical talents.Willard loved to share with folks his many poems and stories.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home – Ashland Chapel, with Rev. David Stamper and Dr. Paul Tracy Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.Graveside military honors will take place and interment will be at Ashland County Memorial Park. The family would like to thank Brethren Care Village and hospice staff.Online tributes may be made at
www.robertsfuneralhome.com
.Memorial contributions may be made to Brethren Care Village, 2000 Center Street, Ashland, OH 44805 or Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH 44805.
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