Leatherman, Aaron M. (1869-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Aug 23 p. 8

Birth date: 1869 Oct 29

text of obituary:

AARON M. LEATHERMAN

Aaron M. Leatherman, youngest son of Christian and Sarah (Meyers) Leatherman, was born near Doylestown, Pa. on Oct. 29, 1869.

On Oct. 24, 1893 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth B. Kulp. Soon after their marriage they united with the Deep Run Mennonite Church. Later they transferred their membership to the Doylestown Mennonite Church. He served as chorister at Doylestown for a number of years.

This union was blessed with three children. In October 1910 he moved with his family to their present home near Cheraw, Colo. On April 28, 1913 he was ordained as minister to serve the East Holbrook congregation, where he served until his retirement in 1943. He with his faithful companion spent much time in visitation and Home Department work. Only eternity will reveal the results of their labors of love.

“Grandpa,” as he was fondly called by the family and friends in the sunset of his life, had a cheerful disposition and a sunny smile for everyone. One of the greatest joys of his life was to sing, and he had an appropriate song for every occasion. God had blessed him with the gift to memorize, and he memorized many Scripture passages in his younger years, as well as countless hymns. Although he was unable to repeat the Scriptures toward the close of his life, he could still sing the old hymns by memory. He always joined in heartily in singing with the congregation as he listened in at his home to the services over the loudspeaker.

Grandpa had been in failing health for some time. On June 11 he became very ill with intestinal flu and passed away peacefully in his sleep early in the morning of June 19, 1962 at his home near Cheraw, at the ripe age of 92 years, seven months, and 21 days.

Surviving are his beloved companion and their three children, Isaac N. of Pueblo, Colo., Elwyn K. of Fresno, Calif., and Kathryn at home; 10 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by all his parental family, also one infant grandson and two infant great-grandchildren.

Last fall grandpa and grandma were permitted to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary. Although both were invalids they were thankful to God for having spared them to be together an many years to share life's joys and sorrows.

The funeral service was held at the East Holbrook Mennonite Church on June 23 in charge of Pastor Clifford King, assisted by David Alderfer from Aspen, Colo. Preceding the service at the church an impressive service was held at the home for grandma's special benefit since she is bedfast. Bro. Joe C. Driver, who is 95 years old and a special friend of the family, gave an inspiring message.

The graveside service was in charge of Bro. King. Burial was made in the East Holbrook Cemetery. — The Family.