L. Leroy Knipp, 83, of Defiance, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2013 at the CHP Defiance Area Hospice Inpatient Center, Defiance, OH.

He was born on October 16, 1929 to William and Clara (Rettig) Knipp in Henry Co., OH. Leroy worked as a Laborer for Brown's Bakery, retiring in 1992. On June 5, 1949 he married Sarabell Hammon, who survives.

He was a member of Grace Bible Church, Defiance.

Leroy is survived by his loving spouse Sarabell, of Defiance, OH, 4 sons, David (Becky) Knipp of Davidson, NC, Tom (Beth) Knipp of Defiance, OH, Gary Knipp of Defiance, OH, and Jan (Roxie) Knipp of Continental, OH, 2 daughters, Diane (Tom) Trochim of Hendersonville, NC, and Laurie (Mark) Eitniear of Pioneer, OH, a sister-in-law, Carmen Knipp of Holgate, OH, 15 Grandchildren, 4 Step Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, 17 Step Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, Labon, Claire, Orrin, Ross Knipp, and a brother in infancy, 2 sisters, Wilma Horstman, and Ruth Bostelman.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 11, 2013, at 2:00 pm in Grace Bible Church, Defiance OH, with Rev Dr John McKay, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Riverview Memory Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Bible Church.