LeRoy Rupright Obituary

LeRoy E. "Butch" Rupright

LeRoy Rupright, 82, of Findlay, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital surrounded by many family members.

LeRoy, fondly known as Butch, was born July 19, 1941, in Jenera, to Raymond and LaVerne (Basinger) Rupright. He was a 1959 graduate of Findlay High School. Butch joined U.S. Navy in 1960 and proudly served his country until 1964. He was stationed in Imperial Beach, California, and served on two westpack tours on the USS Kittyhawk from 1962-1964 during the Vietnam War. Butch worked as an electrician at Whirlpool Corporation for 37 years until he retired in 2004.

Butch married Virgina Kessler on Sept. 18, 1965, though they were later divorced. He then married Ruth Ann (Smith) Kern on May 19, 1984, and she preceded him in death Nov. 3, 2005.

Butch is survived by his sister-in-law, Norma Rupright; three daughters, Janet Simmermeyer (David), Dawn Gerten (Roger), and Donna Wiler (Timothy); stepson, William Kern; stepdaughter, Tina Monday (Chad); eight grandchildren, Erika King (Alex), Amber Loach, Autumn King (Corbin), Alexis Stader (John), Cory May (Audrey), Casey May, Branden Wiler, and Jessica Wiler (Jay); three stepgrandchildren, Faith Kern, Monica Kern, and Alicia Mora (Anthony); and 17 great-grandchildren, Keegan, Callen, Camden, Josie, Simon, Lillian, Marcus, Cooper, Athena, Gemma, Gannon, Sky, Wyatt, Maizey, Luna, Ariana, and Ayla, and one due in September.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth Ann; sister, Norma Granger; brother, David Rupright; and granddaughter, Tabetha Wiler.

Butch was extremely proud of his military service. He was blessed to be able to take part in the Flag City Honor Flight on Nov. 1, 2022. He flew to Washington, D.C. on an All Vietnam Veteran Mission #21 with his oldest granddaughter, Erika King, as his guardian.

He was also a big car enthusiast and enjoyed entering various cars into car shows. He loved to travel and went on many cruises, even traveling on the Queen Mary to Europe. He wintered in Ocala, Florida, every year. He was into computers, gadgets, and all things electrical. Some of the fondest family memories are the many summer vacations spent together at Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. Butch's funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2024, with Pastor Dan Metzger officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bartlow Township, near Deshler. Military honors will be accorded at the cemetery by Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad.

Memorials may be made to Flag City Honor Flight.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.