Robert M. Leeds, 80, of Milford Center, died Thursday morning, June 28, 2018, at his home with his family at his side, following a brief illness.
His appreciation for the land led to a lifetime passion for farming. He was active with his children during their early years in 4-H and FFA and coached them in the art of skeet shooting, a tradition he continued with his grandchildren. In recent years, he enjoyed helping his son and daughter-in-law at Leeds Pumpkin Farm in Ostrander. Although his health was failing, he didn’t miss the spring planting season on his farm. He also enjoyed attending the Steam Thrasher Show in Plain City and taking his “ole” tractors to the Fourth of July parade in Ostrander.
His longtime passion also included his involvement and membership in the Milford Center Lions Club, which included holding all of the offices in the club. He, along with many of the current longtime members, was instrumental in building the current Lions Club building.
He was born Nov. 4, 1937, in Monroe, to the late Merle and Martha Stewart Leeds.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former V. Gayle Palmer, whom he married Feb. 28, 1959, at the Church of God in Middletown; children, Ron (Cheryl) Leeds of Milford Center, Rob (Christy) Leeds of Ostrander and JoEllen (Jim) Fiebiger of Fletcher; grandchildren, Isaac, Blake, Garrett, Meghan, Logan, Jody (Robert) and Josh (Cristen); great-grandchildren, Haylie, Gretchen and Garner; brothers, Tom (Maryann) Leeds of Monroe, Ralph Leeds of Washington Court House and Donald (Hope) Leeds of Cedarville; and many Lions Club friends.
Calling hours will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Ingram Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Milford Center Lions Club. Burial will follow at the Milford Center Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Milford Center Lions Club in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.ingramfuneralservice.com.