Edward Leyman

ORRVILLE -- Edward W. Leyman, who enjoyed referring to himself as "the grouchy old man," died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, in his residence on Wayne Street in Orrville.

He was born July 21, 1932, in Canton to the late Rudy J. and Grace E. (Wescott) Leyman. Ed graduated from Canton Lincoln High School and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree from Mount Union College and his master of science degree from Indiana University at Bloomington.

Ed fulfilled a 30-year career in education as a guidance counselor and teacher before retiring in 1986. In addition, Ed served as an auxiliary police officer for the village of Sugarcreek for many years. In his retirement, he worked part time for Sonnenburg Insurance Co. Ed proudly served in the U.S. Army, 567 Heavy Field Artillery Division, stationed at battalion headquarters in Germany during the Korean War. He was an active member of the Sugarcreek American Legion and was a venerable member of the Canton Masonic Lodge 60.

On Aug. 25, 1957, Ed married the former Eloise Thomas, enjoying 39 years of marriage with her before her death in 1997. Ed and Eloise shared a love for Arabian horses, raising several on their farm outside of Sugarcreek. They enjoyed riding and showing their horses when they were younger and simply caring for them and admiring their beauty in later years. Following Eloise's death, Ed married the former Betty Nickles Wines, whom he met while working for Sonnenburg. They celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary together earlier this year. Ed will be missed by his family.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his son, Dan (Shelly) Leyman; his daughter, Elizabeth Gauvey (Craig Baker); stepsons Chuck (Shari) Wines and Brad Wines; grandsons Travis Campbell and Jesse and Matt Wines; and dear friends William Stutzman and Aden and Mary Miller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Eloise, and his brother, D. James Leyman.

Private family services will be held Monday at Smith-Varns Funeral Home, 1018 W. Main St., Sugarcreek, with William Stutzman and Aden Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery in Mount Eaton where the Sugarcreek American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Smith-Varns Funeral Home at Sugarcreek.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register.