SPENCERVILLE - Leo J. Brown, age 95, passed from this life Feb. 9, 2021 at Wyngate
Senior Living Community where he had resided the past 4 years. His daughters are
grateful they were able to be with him and for the loving care shown by the staff at
Wyngate during his residence there.
Leo was born Sept. 24, 1925 in Spencerville, Ohio to Thomas D. And Lucy
(Rabley) Brown, deceased. He had one brother, Leonard (Nellie) Brown, both
deceased. In 1942, he was fortunate to have a Model A car, which he and 2 buddies
drove to Louisiana to visit his brother in basic training, then to Texas for a possible job.
Between the 3 of them they shared 1 clean shirt, about $3.00, a comb and some
sandwiches. A Texas relative kindly gave them money to return to Ohio and school,
which they did, all forgiven. After graduation and turning 18, he enlisted in the Marine
Corps, serving from 1944-1946. He was wounded in action while serving on the USS
Colorado in the Asiatic Pacific area, recovered in New Caledonia, and returned with the
Marines 3rd Division to the island of Guam until the end of WWII. He was awarded the
Purple Heart.
Leo retired from Standard Oil of Ohio, Sohio-Vistron in Lima after 34 years, in
1985. After retirement he spent several months in Turkey as a consultant for BP with
the start up of a new refinery there. He enjoyed many years of golf and bowling with
fellow veterans, some traveling, grandkids, and riding his bicycle around Spencerville
until he was almost 90.
Leo was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, an active Life-Member of
Bowersock Brothers VFW Post 6772 and the Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post
191, all of Spencerville.
Leo was married for 67 years to LaDonna (Savidge) Brown, now deceased.
Surviving are 3 daughters, Lynn (Kirby, deceased) Cummins, Spencerville, Suzanne
(Rex) Schrolucke, Lake Waynoka, and Christine Bindel, Lima. Six grandchildren, Kellie
Rider, Kandace Brown, K.C. Cummins, Andrea Guess, Bethany McManus, and Kate
(Corey) Blodgett. Great grandchildren number 17, and 7 great-great grandchildren.
Leo was our handyman, advisor, and the one we called in times of trouble.
Visiting hours will be Friday, Feb. 12, 1:00-2:30 pm, with funeral services at 2:30
pm at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, OH. The Rev. Rex E.
Schrolucke will officiate. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a charity of your
choice or the Spencerville VFW Post 6772. Online condolences can be expressed to
the family at tbayliff@woh.rr.com.