Obituary of Leon C. Gleockler

Leon C. "Babe" Gleockler Allegany-- Leon C. “Babe” Gleockler, of 1802 Upper Birch Run Road Allegany, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday (April 1, 2008) at the Olean General Hospital, shortly after his arrival. Born August 31, 1927 in Forksville, PA, he was the son of Chester F. and Ada Yonkin Gleockler. He married Doris L. Niles on June 18, 1954. She predeceased him on April 24, 1991. He later married Marion !MacGregor Wilson on January 25, 1992 in Ellicottville. She predeceased him on July 11, 2002. Mr. Gleockler was employed by Larimer and Norton Co. in Akeley, PA. He continued employment with them as a manager of their baseball bat manufacturing plant in Ellicottville from 1963 until his retirement in 1996. While living in Akeley he enjoyed stock car racing at a time when NASCAR was first forming. He was a former bowler in the men’s league at the Central Lanes bowling alley in Salamanca. He also was a member of the Elkdale Country Club where he enjoyed golfing. He had always loved animals and enjoyed taking care of his house pets. Surviving are 2 daughters Lynada (Craig) Roberts of Delevan and Cheryl (Daniel) Feldman of West Valley; 2 stepsons Gordon (Susan) Bush of Riverton, WY and Alexander (Michelle) Wilson of Toronto, Canada; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 brother Richard Gleockler of Forksville, PA; 2 sisters Rita Tubach of Forksville, PA and Shirley (Kenneth) Bonnell of Montoursville, PA; a sister-in-law Theresa Gleockler of Dushore, PA and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wives, he was predeceased by 1 brother Charles Gleockler. The family invites friends to an informal gathering celebrating the life of Mr. Gleockler Thursday (April 3, 2008) from 4-7pm at the Masonic Temple Building on Route 219 in Great Valley. A private burial will take place at the family gravesite in Forksville, PA. Memorials, if desired, can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Casey, Halwig and Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road Olean, NY.