R. Leslie "Les" Myers

R. Leslie Myers, 97, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Otterbein Sunset House in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on June 10, 1927, in Mansfield, Ohio to Emory L and Gertrude (Freir) Myers. He married Mary Ann Maple on September 1, 1949, and together they raised 5 children.

Les graduated from Mansfield High School where he excelled in athletics. Serving in the United States Army during World War II, he was stationed in Hawaii. He played basketball on a team of which his commanding officer took high stakes interest. To keep the team intact, Les was given an anytime pass for leave to a distant beach, meant for use at times soldiers were selected to be sent elsewhere. Honorably discharged, he became an enlisted reserve and attended BGSU where he received his Bachelor of Education degree, while playing basketball for the university and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was later awarded his certification for Assistant Principal.

“Mr. Myers” was a beloved math teacher and coach for 30 years. He taught and coached in New London, Ohio and served as a volunteer fireman. He moved his family to Lima, Ohio where he taught junior high math and coached junior high girls and varsity boys basketball at Shawnee Local Schools. He was known for his kindness, humor, funny antics, and sly grin. It’s possible he was seen riding an AV cart down the halls or crawling on his hands and knees to sneak out of an in-service slide presentation.

Son to a builder and farmer, Les could build and fix almost anything. “If he couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed.” As a charter member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Les used his skills once the group decided to build their church. His unwavering faith as a follower of Jesus was witnessed by those who were recipients of his kindness, sacrificial gifts, or his heart of mercy. After retiring from teaching, Les and Mary Ann moved to Sylvania. He volunteered at Emmanuel Baptist Church and School and was soon hired to head maintenance for both. He privately tutored students. Later in life, he could be found tinkering in his garage.

Les is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Myers; daughter, Jody (Tim) Hearns; sons, Cristen L Myers, Tad L Myers and Seth L (Tammy) Myers; 15 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Brent L; and brothers, Jack, Roger, and Doug.

The family thanks Donna from A Helping Hand for Mom, for her skillful help and friendship over the last several years. They also extend gratitude to the staff at Sunset House and Ashanti Hospice for their kindness and compassion in care. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with inurnment at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of the donors choosing.

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