Leslie G. Willison, 73

Leslie G. Willison, 73, of Minerva passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 in Aultman Hospital.  

He was born Aug. 9, 1951 in Canton to the late Leo and June (Creager) Willison. He worked for many years for PCC Airfoils in Minerva and had also drove a cement truck for Petros’ Brothers Cement in Minerva.  He graduated from Minerva High School in 1969.  Les loved to help kids when he could. He is a member of the Minerva First Presbyterian Church where he ran Sunday school classes. Les spent many years helping coach in the Minerva Bantam League Football and youth baseball and wrestling programs. Les loved having children around. The chaos kids brought to his home was always welcome. He was always a nonjudgmental ear when it felt like the rest of the world wouldn’t listen. He would often play all time quarterback in the backyard or referee wrestling matches in the living room.  He was a lifelong Minerva Lion who loved watching sports, especially when kids he had coached or knew were playing in high school. Some of Les’s favorite vacations came with the “Myrtle Beach Gang” which made an annual journey to the shores of South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Lois (Paisley) Willison whom he married Sept. 24, 1977, daughter, Leslie (Matt Walker) Kinsey of Minerva, son, Lance (Kristy) Willison of Minerva, sister, Lynn (Gary) Kellogg of Marietta, GA, brother, Lee (Daria) Willison of Minerva, 3 grandchildren; Josie and Isiah Willison and Elijah Kinsey.  He is preceded in death by a sister, Linda Willison. 

Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 29^th at 7 p.m. in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Rev. Kathryn Ophardt officiating.  Calling hours will be Tuesday 2 hours prior to services from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Minerva Youth Football Little Lions c/o 901 Ike St., Minerva.  Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.