May 23, 2021

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, this world said goodbye to one of the best men it had ever had and Heaven got a little bit sweeter. Leroy Shaler, 85, was reunited with the love of his life, Midge.

Leroy was born February 26, 1936, the son of Clifford L. and Margaret E. Miller Shaler.

At the age of 16, Leroy quit school to become a mechanic at his father’s garage to help support his family. This was just the kind of man he was, always making sure his family had everything they could possibly need or want. When his father Cliff retired, Leroy continued to own and operate Shaler’s Garage until he became employed by the automotive division of Sears and Roebuck Company.

On November 27, 1958, he married the late Iva Mildred “Midge” Wood. Together, he and Midge happily raised two sons, Leone and C.L.; and their daughter, Kay Jo.

Leroy was passionate about his family, hunting and fishing and he found the perfect ways to combine all three. Many years he would take his whole family, to include nieces, nephews and in-laws, to Ontario, Canada for a summer vacation of fishing at Lake Lyndhurst and Lake Singleton. He would wake everyone before dawn for their daily boat ride to the “Shaler” rock island to go fishing. Many bass, northern pike, perch, frogs, and even an eel, were caught on these family vacations; but the best part of these vacations are the memories that he created and that will stay with his family for the rest of their lives. Leroy proudly displayed his hunting trophies in his home to include his 14 point buck, his wife’s perfect 8 point buck and his sons’ 16 and 8 points.

In addition to his devotion to his family, Leroy was also devoted to helping his community. Leroy was a lifetime member and fireman with Claysville Volunteer Fire Department.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Clifford; his mother, Margaret; his wife, Midge; and his grandson, Ivan (son of C.L.).

He is survived by his three children, Leone and his wife Peggy, Kay Jo and her husband Brett Fischer and son C.L; grandchildren, Lucas, Gavin, Danielle, Maxine, Christopher; two great-grandchildren, Titus and Addie; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and too many friends to possibly list.

A celebration of his life will be held June 18, at Claysville Volunteer Fire Department. In memory of Leroy, donations may be sent to the fire department at 154 Main Street, Claysville, PA 15301.

Arrangements are entrusted to Young Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 219 Main Street, Claysville, PA 15323. 724-663-7373 www.youngfhinc.com