Leslie Spaeth

Leslie J. Spaeth

SPAETH

Leslie Junior of Mason, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at age 92.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Ellen (Runyan) Spaeth.  He was the Loving father to Jim (Linda) Spaeth, Nancy (Craig) Hoon and John (Barbara) Spaeth, all of Mason; devoted grandfather of Ali Spaeth, Lesley Spaeth, Michael (Bethany) Hoon, Rebecca (Chris) Weingand, Daniel (Amber) Spaeth, Brittany Spaeth and Tori Berry; and great-grandfather of Caleb, Owen and Colston.  Dear brother of Ralph Spaeth and brother-in-law of Mary Jane Spaeth and Billie Runyan.  He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his brothers George and Donald Spaeth and grandson Johnny Hoon.

Les was a dedicated public servant for over 50 years, serving as President of Mason Village Council during the 1950s and early 1960s, playing a pivotal role in creating the initial infrastructure necessary for Mason to become the city it is today.  He was elected to six terms as Warren County Auditor from 1963 until 1987 and also served as a member of the Warren County Board of Elections from 1987 until 2012.  He served as President of the County Auditors' Association of Ohio in 1977 and Executive Chairman of the Warren County Republican Party for 17 years following his retirement as Auditor.  He earned a Master Appraiser Certification, was a recipient of the Earl J. Maag Award and served as a member of the State Electoral College for George W. Bush in 2005.

One of his most enjoyable civic contributions, however, came in his service to the American Legion's Buckeye Boys' State Program starting in 1966.  He worked diligently to help make the program the viable learning experience it is today for high school age young men throughout the state.  He served as Boys' State President and later Commissioner and is a member of the Boys' State Hall of Fame.  When his physical condition did not allow him to take part in the annual program, he submitted his resignation which the American Legion refused to accept, saying he was still too valuable to the program even though he could not be on site each year.

Les served his country during World War II as a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps stationed in the Pacific Theater and was part of the Japanese Occupational Forces.  Following the war, he and his family started Spaeth Bros. Cleaners in Mason, serving a large area including communities in Butler, Hamilton and Clinton counties for 18 years.

He was a charter member of the Mason Volunteer Fire Department in 1948 and rose to the rank of Assistant Chief.  Les served his church, Heritage Presbyterian, as an Elder.  He was a former Worthy Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, and a 70-year member of  both Masonic Lodge #678 and the American Legion's Joe Barr Post #194.

In 2013, he was honored as a Distinguished Mason High School alumnus for his accomplishments and service to his community.  His family will long cherish the unprecedented standing ovation he received from the Class of 2013 and their graduation guests following his remarks upon the presentation of that award.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of  Leslie's wonderful life at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 6546 S. Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason, Ohio 45040, Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 12:30 p.m.  Friends will be received at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins.  Graveside services will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Heritage Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or to the Republican Women of Warren County's Ellen Spaeth Scholarship Fund.