Leonard J. Daum

Leonard J. Daum Jr. 82, of Milford Center, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2026, with his devoted family by his side.

The only son of four children, Leonard was born July 24, 1943, at the family home in Milford Center to Leonard J.T. "Strawberry" and Marguerite G. (Aldrich) Daum Sr. A 1961 graduate of Fairbanks High School, he married his high school sweetheart, the former Phyllis A. Combs, December 28, 1962. What followed was 63 years of devotion, friendship, family, and unconditional love throughout their lifetime together.

Post high school, Leonard worked alongside his wife, Phyllis, at Ranco for 9 years before his employment began at International Motors (formerly Navistar), where he retired after 35 years. He fulfilled many rolls throughout his employment at International, and he was incredibly proud of working for such a notable company in the trucking industry. A man of strong faith, he and Phyllis attended the Millcreek Church of Christ where they made many lasting friendships. He held several memberships with the Marysville Moose Lodge #1651, the Eagles #3506, and was a proud mason with the Palestine Lodge #158 F&AM. In his earlier years, he could be found camping with friends, and as his family grew, so did their family vacations to favorite places Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Dale Hollow and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and especially Ludington, Michigan. He was also very fond of boating and fishing.

A simple man and natural tinkerer, Leonard could easily take stuff apart and put things back together, and he loved to work on car engines – they made sense to him. He collected all sorts of items, such as die cast, small antique trucks, lures, and things that he found at garage sales after retirement. A big talker, he never missed an opportunity to meet "the guys" at McDonalds for coffee in the mornings, and he could easily chat with anyone who came across his path. Full of joy and vibrant, he always carried an infectious smile, and it was evident to everyone how much Leonard loved his family. He often said that being a grandpa was the best thing he ever got to do, and he took his role seriously and lovingly. He shined with his grandchildren, never missing any chance to support them with their sports and endeavors, and when they went on family vacations, it was with the entire family – they were a pack, and he never wanted to be anywhere without them. Quite simply, his family was everything to him, and his love for them will remain with each of them for their rest of their lives.

Leonard is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; their children Steve (Tracy) Daum and Lisa (Jeff) Grzeskowiak; much loved grandchildren Lindsey (Chad) Copley, MaKenzie (Alby) Daum, "Jared" Chase (Lauren) Grzeskowiak, and Hope Daum; adored great grandchildren Jaden, Fin, Kaiden, Amethyst, Lena, Elric, and Kyla; sister-in-law, Nell Dooley; and several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Along with his parents, Leonard was also preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses Shirley (Don) Murphy, Dorothy (Marvin) Estep, Harriet (David) Price; and in-laws Bonetta (Carl) Runyan, Elmer Gene (Chrystal) Combs, Bill (Betty) Combs, and Ron Dooley.

Visitation for Leonard will be 12pm-1pm on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Ingram & Snyder Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, where funeral services to celebrate his life will begin promptly at 1 pm with Rev. Jack Knox officiating. Burial will follow at Milford Center Cemetery.

Leonard's family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Walnut Crossing and Care360.

Ingram & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Leonard's family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.