Steven D. Leader

Steve graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 1970, Bowling Green State University, and The Ohio State University. He loved serving children and families as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor for over thirty years. No matter what he was battling, he always wore a big smile and had a big heart.

Steve married his high school sweetheart, Sheryl (Sandusky), in 1974. They raised three children and served as foster parents to more than 120 newborns. Steve was a longtime member and elder at the New Hope Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sheryl Sandusky Leader, three children, Stephanie (Craig) Vermeer, Matthew (Emily Burkhardt) and Daniel (Erika Cahill), three grandchildren, Andrew, Caroline, and Alex Vermeer, his parents, Calvin and Anna Rose Leader; one sister, Carole (Kal) Pelttari, brother and sisters-in-law, John (Susie) Sandusky, Jayne (Bob) Cline, Barb Sandusky (Jen Tate), and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends Monday, November 21, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at New Hope Church, 4739 W. Powell Rd., Powell, where family will receive friends from 9-11 a.m. Rev. Stephen M. Norden, officiating. Entombment to follow at Kingwood Memorial Park. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the entire staff at Willow Brook at Delaware Run (his other family) for their loving care and special friendship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Willow Brook at Delaware Run or Heartland Hospice. To share memories of Steve, visit www.schoedinger.com.