Robert Laverne Leather

Robert “Skip” L. Leather, 86, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, August 31, 2024. He was born December 25, 1938, the oldest of three children born to Robert S. and Mary C. (Backensto) Leather. Nicknamed Skip by his Aunt Rachel. He was a 1959 graduate of Madison High School. There he met the love of his life, Judy Horvath. They were married July 14, 1961, enjoyed 60 years of marriage, and had three children; Amy Leyda, Annette Musick, and Robert “Matt” Leather.

Skip and Judy lived most of their lives in the Mansfield area. Skip hated the cold and loved to fish. In 2014 he talked Judy into selling their home and moving to Florida. There they purchased a quaint home in a little park on a small channel that led to a great big lake full of fish and some of the best friends a couple could have ever asked for.

Skip enjoyed working with his hands. He was a jack-of-all trades and could build or repair anything he put his mind to. Skip provided for his family by being a master in the skilled trade of welding. He worked tenures at the Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company, the Ohio Brass Company, and eventually retiring from Leppert Machine Company.

Skip is survived by his three children, Amy, Annette (Rob), and Matt; seven grandchildren, Jessica Leyda, Elizabeth (Matt) Merringer, Rachel (Ryan) Knell, Hannah (Nate) Johns, Sarah (Caleb) Martin, Meghan (David) Hiltbrunner, and Cooper Leather; 13 great-grandchildren, Grayson, Aubree, Carter, Lynx, Henry, Darcy, Ronnie, Grace, Lainey, Ensley, Charlotte, Alice, and David Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith A. Leather; parents, Robert S. Leather and Mary C. (Backensto) Leather; brother, Thomas L. Leather; sister, Carol S. Roberts; grandson, Mitchel Leyda; and great-granddaughter, Mayzie Johns.

At Skip’s request there will be a private graveside service at a later date. The family would like to extend their thanks to Brittany, Southern Care Hospice, and the Willows at Willard. Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Leather family.