Leon W. Dormer, son of George Albert Dormer (1880-1968) and Eva Adelia (Bristol) (1885-1966) Dormer, was born 21 January 1917, Okemos, Ingham County, Michigan.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Thursday 16 May 1918
Leon, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Dormer, is ill with pneumonia.
Leon's father was a school board member of the Ingham County Meridian School No. 6 in 1919. His wife, Eva, transported children to school in horse and wagon and was paid to do so. Unfortunately the board, especially the director of the school board Mr. Benjamin, refused payment to Mr. Dormer. A brouhaha ensued and ended with George Dormer resigning from the board along with another board member. In the end Mrs. Dormer continued to transport children to school. The complete story is in Okemos Consolidated School by Sherrie Paty Barber.
Leon graduated in 1936 from Okemos High School. He was an outstanding football player for Okemos. In the 1933-34 season, Leon placed on the Ingham All-County Second Team, left guard position. The Ingham All-County selection for the 1934-35 season placed Leon, at left guard, on first team.
Leon married Leah Rose Maurer 1 February 1939, LaGrange County, Indiana. On the marriage license Leon listed his employment as "working for a contractor in Lansing" The Dormers had 6 children. They lost an infant son in 1948.
Leon was employed for over 40 years for GM in Lansing and retired in 1981. Both Leon and Leah were avid and accomplished bowlers. Leah, born 21 January 1921, Clinton County, Michigan, died 7 April 1986, Ionia County, Michigan. Leon died14 January 2010, Saginaw County, Michigan. Leon married again after Leah's death. Leon and Leah were interred Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 17 January 2010
LEON W. DORMER SR.
CHESANING
Leon 92, met our Lord on January 15, 2010.
He was born January 21, 1917 and resided in Okemos.
Dedicated as a skill trades and committee man of GM/plant 2 and member of Local 1618, he retired after 43 years. He was an avid bowler, blessed to bowl a 300 game.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Maxine; his children, Patricia Smith, Leon Dormer Jr., (Elizabeth), Terry (Blendiana) Dormer, Sue (George) Figel; 2 step children, Ron (Mary) Best, Steven (Marg) Martin; 26 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Leah Dormer (1986); his son, Bill Dormer; son-in-law John Smith; 2 granddaughters; 2 great-great-granddaughters; 1 sister; and 2 brothers.
Funeral will take place on Tuesday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Ev. Lutheran Church, Chesaning.