Leonard E. Strayer

Leonard Elliott Strayer, age 94, known as Ben to his family and close friends, Leonard was born on a farm in Monclova Township.  The fifth of eight children of Walter and May (Matzinger) Strayer. His early youth was spent in the great depression years and the farm was the place to be at that time. In 1941 Leonard enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve and served a total of six years active duty, including serving all of WWII at sea, first on the USS Salamone (AD26) until she was damaged in the North Atlantic, and then on the USS Hill (DE141), doing anti-submarine warfare with Task Force 221 in the Atlantic and Island Attach Support in the Pacific Arena.  Finally, he was part of the great Battle Force nearing Japan when the war finally ended. He was an Engineering Chief Petty Officer, (CEN). He was married to Dorothy Elbert on December 16, 1945 at the Immaculate Conception Episcopal Church in New York City. In 1947 Leonard was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine Service by the U.S. Coast Guard.  He sailed out of New York City for the next five years.   He was a Chief Marine Engineer Officer.  He came ashore in the spring of 1953 to accept an insurance position in Industrial Loss Control. he worked out of offices in New York City, Albany, NY, and Toledo, Ohio, retiring in 1983.  He was supervisor of Loss Control and Engineering for parts of a three state area, and a professional engineer and authorized nuclear inspector.  After retirement he worked part time as a loss control consultant until 1996. Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 28 and Phoenix Lodge 123 FAM both in Perrysburg and Brandywine County club in Maumee for 28 years. His is survived by his children Susann Marie, Leonard Elbert and Daniel Joel Strayer; brothers, Marvin (Doris) Strayer, Robert Strayer and Sister, Martha Nelson. Leonard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Dorothy,  brothers Wallace and Kenneth, and sisters Mary and Lovina. Service to be held at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Maumee at 11:00 am Saturday, December 13, 2014 with visitation one hour prior to service.  Graveside service immediately following at Swan Creek Cemetery in Monclova, OH.  Memorial Contributions may be sent to a Veterans Organization in Maumee or Perrysburg. All Veterans are welcome to attend the graveside ceremony.  Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.