Charles Leonard Howser

Charles Leonard Howser, 88, of Elyria, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 1, 1937, in Elyria to Charles and Flora Howser, Leonard (as he was affectionately known) grew up in nearby Grafton, where he enjoyed a carefree, wonder-filled childhood rooted in simple joys and small-town adventure.

He often shared vivid memories of those days: camping and exploring deep in the woods, swimming in the Black River and the Grafton quarries, and lingering at the train station-helping the operator switch tracks or hopping aboard a slow-moving freight for a quick ride to Elyria. With friends, he would climb to the top of the Grafton water tower just to sit and watch the world below. Leonard fondly recalled a close-knit community where storekeepers, police officers, coaches, ministers, and neighbors all knew one another and genuinely cared.

As a teenager, his passion turned to hot rods. He and his friends spent countless hours tinkering on cars, with Leonard's pride and joy being a one-of-a-kind chopped Austin-built for style and speed, even if safety took a back seat.

In 1960, Leonard met Ruth Johnson at the Supper Club in Elyria, and the two were instantly smitten. They married on October 1, 1960, settling in Elyria Township to build a life centered on family and lasting friendships.

Simply put, Leonard loved life. He and Ruth hosted an annual Fourth of July party for up to 100 guests, complete with fireworks and live music from his son-in-law Terry Olive's garage band. An avid bluegrass fan, he and Ruth traveled every August to the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, Virginia, filling a van with friends and family and staying in a simple riverside cabin owned by dear neighbors Betty and Everett Goad.

Leonard cherished time at the local Eagles Club or a neighborhood pub, laughing and enjoying music performed by his daughter Brenda. He treasured family vacations to the mountains and ocean, sharing rental homes with Ruth, their children, spouses, and grandchildren. He delighted in big events like NASCAR races and the Kentucky Derby, which he attended more than once.

Leonard took special pride in supporting his grandchildren's sports, rarely missing a high school or travel softball or baseball game-traveling far and wide to cheer on his granddaughters and grandson with unwavering enthusiasm. A lifelong lover of the woods and the beauty of nature, he found peace in its quiet wonders.

A talented and imaginative craftsman, Leonard excelled at woodworking, creating everything from handcrafted wooden toy trains and planes to chests, cabinets, and tables. Each of his children has parts of their home remodeled or improved with his expert construction skills and tireless work ethic. He took great pride in maintaining his Elyria Township home and could often be seen-even at age 88-mowing nearly two acres on his zero-turn John Deere.

A proud electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 129, Leonard worked for Atlas Electric Company. He thrived on the challenges of the trade-setting poles, pulling cable, building substations, handling high voltage with care, and restoring power through storms and blizzards. He especially valued the camaraderie of trusted coworkers like Frank, Bruce, Sid, and John, often saying, "I can do a little; together, we can do anything."

Leonard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherished for his quick wit, quiet wisdom, unwavering honesty, generous spirit, and boundless love.

He is survived by his sister, Louise Pelton; his children, Brenda Olive, Leonard Howser (Judy), and Elaine Seguin (Phil); his grandchildren, Sarah, Jennifer, Holly, April, Ruthie, and Nathan; and his great-grandchildren, Ty, Cole, Easton, Joel, and Kate.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth; his parents, Charles and Flora; his son-in-law, Terry Olive; and his sisters, Faye Howser, Charlotte Schafer, and Alice Webb.

A private service was held at Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral and Cremation Center, followed by burial at Ridge Hill Memorial Park in Amherst.