Leonard W. Ackerman, 100, died on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at 2:35 a.m. at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.

He was born on May 15, 1916, in LaFayette, Ohio, to Erna and Rosa (Fisher) Ackerman who preceded him in death.

On March 7, 1942, Leonard married Bernadine E. Brewer and she preceded him in death on Aug. 17, 2015.

Leonard served in the U.S. Army from April 1, 1941, through Nov. 9, 1945, during WWII in the Philippines. He was in Luzon when General MacArthur waded ashore and spoke to him. He worked for the B&O and Pennsylvania Railroads.

Then Leonard worked as a guard and supervisor at the Lima State Hospital for 25 years before retiring in 1978. He was also a life-long farmer and was a Life Member of the Ada VFW Post #9381.

Surviving are his daughters: Rosemary (Earl) Frasure of Harrod and Carrie (David) Slone of LaFayette; six grandchildren: Amy (Robert) White, Charity Stafne, Christel (Nate) Keller, Elizabeth (Mike) McGinnis, Bonnie (Don) Gruber and Rachel (Dan) Sobeski; 10 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: one great great granddaughter: Skyler Sobeski; one sister: Mary Joanna Good and three brothers: Lester Ackerman, Leslie Ackerman and Ernest Ackerman.

Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, LaFayette, with Rev. Robin Ramos officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions can be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 East Main Street, P.O. Box 7111, LaFayette, Ohio 45854.