Elmer John Leeman was born on January 3,1922 to Elmer W Leeman and Flora Panella in Los Angeles California. Elmer was only 6 years old when his father died in 1928. He and his mother moved to San Jose to be closer to Flora’s big Italian family. Although an only child, Elmer grew up surrounded by cousins, aunts and uncles in this extended family and developed a lifelong appreciation for pasta. Elmer’s mother died in 1942 and he joined the Navy, serving in the Sea Bees during World War II. He spent those years in the South Pacific and Guam before receiving an Honorable Discharge and returning to San Jose where Trilma Watts was waiting for him. They married on March 9, 1946 and began their 73 years of married life in San Jose.
Elmer worked as an appliance repairperson using the knowledge he gained at the San Jose Technical High School. He worked at Hartman Bros, Leon Furniture, and DiSalvo Appliance Store and then was self-employed for many years before retiring at age 80.
Elmer was proud of his three children – Claudia, Douglas and Duncan and shared with them his love of the ocean. He taught them to swim and surf, then built a small sailboat and taught them to sail.
He was a lifetime member of Elks Lodge 522 and a member of the Horseless Carriage Club for 25 years. He drove his 1915 Model T Ford Roadster many miles on tours throughout California.
Elmer was predeceased by his son, Douglas Leeman. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Trilma, his children Claudia Vestal (Bill), Duncan Leeman (Karen), his daughter-in-law Sandra Denhart, his 7 grandchildren, his 11 great-grandchildren, and his 2 great-great-grandsons. Everyone who knew Elmer was touched by his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, and wisdom and will miss him deeply.
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