Ernest "Ernie" Leatherman

Ernest Eugene Leatherman of Albion passed away very peacefully to his Maker January 23, 2015 in his home with his son, David, by his side.

Mr. Leatherman was born to Daniel and Blanche (Hardendorf) Leatherman.  He was married to Virginia Mae Bushong, the love of his life, in Albion on March 21, 1943, with only a small precious gold wedding band and cake and water for the reception.  Shortly after he was shipped overseas during WWII with the 2^nd Armored Division known as “Hell on Wheels”.

Army Sgt. Leatherman served proudly in the 2^nd Armored Division from 1943 to 1945.  He encountered many fierce battle areas and enormous obstacles in North Africa, England, Normandy, France, Belgium, and from Holland to Berlin, Germany.  By the grace of God he survived to be a part of the honor guard division for President Truman, Churchill and Stalin in Berlin’s 1945 Liberation Celebration.  The 2^nd Armored Division was built by George Paton and named “Hell on Wheels” originating from Ft. Benning, Georgia in 1940.

Ernest, the Good Soldier, enjoyed much comradeship with others of the Hell on Wheels Division.  Much was shared with friends and family about WWII.  Nothing could have been truer for his life than his father’s parting words in 1943 “Be a Good Soldier” and his mother’s words and acts of the Godly Father.

Like his wife Virginia who passed away February 2012 he was devoted, passionate, loving and caring about all people he met in his life.  Doing his best and giving his all to keep history alive, restoring the old and making the future better.  He was a long standing member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and served in numerous community organizations and projects in both official and unofficial roles.

He was honored as Grand Marshall in the Chain of Lakes Parade for his and his family’s role in “The Building of Albion”.  With a “memory like an elephant” and being very proud of his heritage and all branches of his family and friends, he wrote and published an autobiography in 2005.

He leaves a scroll of appreciation from many more than can ever be listed completely.  Keeping alive history and restoring the old with making the future better, never slowing down – verbally and/or physically – he was also very proud of one of his favorite and satisfying projects.  Car and truck restorations starting with a 1949 red Studebaker pickup.  He continued to work with his son, Kenneth, and nephew, Duane, restoring the old to new until his warrior’s death.  He will be missed and remembered by many.

Ernest leaves behind two sons, David Leatherman of Albion, Kenneth Leatherman and his wife, LuAnn of Syracuse and a daughter, Kay Ann Rice and her husband, Lynn, of Albion.  He was blessed with ten grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  He was the oldest of six brothers and three sisters with many nephews and nieces with spouses and children all of whom he was very proud.   

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 28^th at the Brazzell Funeral Home in Albion.  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 29^th at the Asbury United Methodist Church in Albion with visitation on hour prior to the service.  Pastor Bret Frymier will be officiating.  Burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery west of Albion after the funeral service.  He will be placed at rest beside his beloved love of his life, Virginia.