Nolan H. Leatherman

He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Julia Brown Leatherman; daughter, Leesa Leatherman Ross and her husband, Randy Ross; grandsons, Lance and Keaton Ross; and numerous cousins.

Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and ZelIa (Harpster) Leatherman; brother, Geary Leatherman; grandson, Jonathan Ross; and his in-laws, Richard and Nora Belle Brown.

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, on October 21, 1935, Nolan attended Ashland College before graduating from Ohio Northern University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Following graduation, he joined North American Aviation (later Rockwell International) as an engineer. He advanced to Manager of Contracts for the Columbus Division and spent the final two years of his career working on special projects for the Los Angeles Division, retiring in 1990. In the early years of retirement, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant for several aviation companies.

Nolan was a proud member of the Association of Naval Aviation Helldivers Squadron. He passionately dedicated many years to honoring aviation history through his work designing and placing 15 granite memorial benches for North American Aviation at Air Force bases, naval airspace museums, NASA centers, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and other historic sites across the country.

He was also a member of the National Rifle Association and the Ohio Gun Collectors Association. A devoted historian, Nolan contributed to multiple books on Curtiss-Wright and North American Aviation in Columbus and authored a paper on the history of Port Columbus and its ties to North American Aviation.

Nolan will be remembered not only for his dedication to aviation and history, but also for his kindness and generosity. Everyone who knew him experienced his warm heart, his genuine nature, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. He was especially proud of his daughter Leesa, his son-in-law Randy, and his grandsons, Lance and Keaton, whose lives brought him great joy and pride.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Holly Holton, the caregivers at Right At Home, and Nolan’s amazing neighbors in Lakeland Hills for their kindness and support.

A visitation for Nolan will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM, 1051 E Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. An interment will occur Friday, March 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Mansfield Memorial Park, 2507 Park Ave W, Ontario, OH.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lock Arms for Life in honor of Nolan’s grandson, Jonathan.

https://lockarmsforlife.org

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