WINCHESTER, Ohio — Melvin Leon Hesler, known better as “Leon, Dad, Papaw or Bub” was born on September 15, 1937, in a little house on Eyler Road, Brown County, Ohio, the second child of George and Mae Hester. He went to be with our Heavenly Father, Saturday, October 21, 2006. He passed away at his home on Rickey Road, Adams County, Ohio, where he always said was how he wanted to pass.
Leon married the love of his life on April 7, 1956, Delores Ann Fussnecker. They shared many wonderful years together and just this year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
After their marriage they moved to the “Little House” on Russellville Winchester Road. while living there they were blessed with the birth of their first born, George Ray. A few years later came Victoria Ann, as their family was growing larger they moved up to the “Big House” on Cherry Fork Road. Along came Kevin Leon and the farm where they lived was sold and they needed to move again. This time they moved to the town of Russellville. Darlene Kay joined the family while living here. After a short time of living in town, Leon realized his dream of owning a farm and they moved to “The Farm” on Ricky Road, Winchester, Ohio.
After settling in along came Annette Elaine and William Donald. Leon loved the children and he was saddened greatly by the death of his twin sons in 1971, Rodney Jay and Randy Joe. Reminded of God’s love 3 more children were added to this union, Dustin Albert, Angela Marie and Jason Andrew.
A lot of love was shared at “The Farm” and through the years many have come to know Leon as “Papaw or Dad,” he became this to many neighborhood children and friends. After his own children were raised Leon also became a foster parent, wanting to help those that were not as fortunate as his children.
Leon’s dream of owning a diary farm came true and therefore the birth of “LeDel Acres.” He was very proud of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and cows. You could always count on there being a lot of green shirts at the Adams County Fair on show day. This was his love and his life, not only did it make him proud to show his Jersey cows, but his love for his family was greater.
Through the years Leon has been a member of the American Jersey Cattle Club, the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association, Lifetime member of the Adams County Agricultural Society, member of the Adams County 4-H Committee, honored on the cover of the Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, exported cattle overseas and had cattle special mated by Carnation.
Sundays were special to him, having his family and friends around were important. Later in life, Leon joined St. George Catholic Church, Georgetown, Ohio, and then transferred to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in West Union and many Sundays you would find him sitting with his family surrounding him. This was the way he wanted it.
Leon’s love for children was unsurpassable. Many children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and others have sat on his lap and enjoyed that little something extra that maybe they weren’t supposed to have, but “Papaw” said “One more wouldn’t hurt.”
Leon was preceded in death by his mother and father, George and Celia Mae Reynolds Hesler, two brothers, William B. and Donald R. Hesler, and two sons, Rodney Jay and Randy Joe Hesler.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 50 years, Delores Ann Fussnecker Hesler and his children and their spouses: Ray and Joni Hesler, Vicki and Dave Vogel, Kevin Hesler, Darlene and Larry Anderson, Annette and Chris Black, Billy and Jane Hesler, Dusty and Carrie Hesler, Angel and Jason Brand and Jason and Amber Hesler. Papaw will also be missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Randy and Angie Hesler, Alexis, Alana, Colton and Cayden: Rick and Betsy Hesler, Cody:; Amanda and Jeremy Smart; Ryan Hesler; Nathan, Alicia and Seth Vogel; Michael and Amy McGovney, Michael and Alyssa, Brittany and Bethany Hesler; Brandi and Dayne Michael, MaKenna, Nick, Blake and Noah Anderson; Cierra, Jacob and Kyle Black; George, Duncan, Laura Jane Hesler; Lee, Collin and Madison Hesler, Tray, Andrew and Harlee Brand, Taylor and Jayden Hesler.
He will be sadly missed by several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and his own sister Dottie Wallingford and husband Charlie and sister-in-law Millie Burton and husband, Dale, and many nieces and nephews.
He was “Papaw” to scores, “Daddy” to many, “Brother to some, but most of all “Husband” to one.
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