W. Joseph Leever

William Joseph "Joe" Leever, age 71 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. 

Joe was wildly hilarious and quick-witted. He was one-of-a-kind with a gregarious laugh and a smile that lit up every room. Joe was a kind soul with a loving spirit who enjoyed all the classics... cars, music, and American cuisine. Joe loved golfing, traveling, working on classic cars, fart jokes, lake life, and time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was rich in friendships, many of which have been friends since childhood. He treasured all the memories and laughs. Joe loved politics, but only one side. If you knew him, you knew which side. Popular places Joe could have been spotted were Kissner's with his breakfast buddies (the big oval table), Keck's Market back in the day for a bag of charcoal for a last minute grill out, Maag's for a beef, chili and Pepsi, Bud's for a Beef Manhattan and a slice of coconut pie, Elks Lodge to make sure he was using his membership wisely, Bronson Pool being a deck referee for swim meets, or any ball field in town to watch his kids play ball.   

He was born on December 12, 1950 to the late Bill and Margaret "Peg" (Fraser) Leever in Defiance, Ohio. Joe was as 1968 graduate of Defiance High School. In 1969 he joined his father at Leever Glass Sales. In 1992 he purchased the business from his father and remained there until his well-deserved retirement in 2015. Joe was a former member of Defiance Rotary Club, and a proud lifetime member of Defiance Elks Lodge.

Joe is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (David) Boczar of St. Simons Island, GA, and Jessica (Michael) Mann of Cincinnati, OH, his son, Robert "Bo" Leever of Defiance, ex-wife Anita Kime of Defiance, seven grandchildren; Owen Leever, Adam Leever, Lincoln Mann, Brooks Boczar, Jack Boczar, Abi Mann, Elyse Mann, his sisters, Jeanne Zellers of Dallas, TX, Jody (Kyle) Johnson of Hamilton, IN, and brother John Leever of Defiance. 
  
He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Margaret "Peg" Leever, his sister, Jane Ann Bishop, and daughter Abby Jo Leever.

We can't think of any better way to honor our dad than to ask you to not take life too seriously, laugh often, and keep smiling!
  
Friends may join the family for visitation on Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will follow at 3:00 pm.
  
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to CHP Home Care & Hospice of Defiance. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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