Wesley Nolan Leonard

Wesley Nolan Leonard, 64, of New Philadelphia passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, while surrounded by the love of his family at the Cleveland Clinic following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Wesley was born on May 16, 1961, in Birmingham, AL to Fred Nolan and Maxine (Stewart) Leonard. He grew up in the Birmingham area and graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1979. He started working from a very young age and developed a strong work ethic that carried on throughout his entire career. He was admired for his great ability to fix and do anything. Wesley spent 41 years working in the vacuum truck manufacturing industry. He was well respected for his vast knowledge of equipment, ingenuity and desire for efficency. He eventually retired from Gradall Industries in September 2022 after having relocated to Ohio for work in 2007. It was here that he met Traci (Gasser) Pelfrey and they were married on September 10, 2011.

Wesley loved boating on Logan Martin Lake, working on race cars, sitting on his front porch and mostly spending time with his “peeps”. He took many memorable trips with his beloved wife and grandsons in the family motor home. He will always be remembered for his strong opinions and no filter. Hopefully, everyone will “listen to me now and hear me later”.

Surviving is his wife, Traci; daughter, Christine Nicole Leonard and Tam “Tojo” Nguyen of Gardendale, AL; step-son, Kyle and Krista Pelfrey of Wadsworth; step-daughter, Crystal Geitgey of Lodi; his much loved grandsons, Jayden Leonard, Chase Geitgey, Colton Geitgey, Chandler Hancock, Karter Pelfrey, Konnor Pelfrey and only granddaughter, Bailey Nguyen; his former wife, Debbie Leonard; mother-in-law, Darla Gasser; sisters-in-law, Terri Underwood and Tami (Les) Scruggs. He also leaves behind his faithful truck companion and grand-dog, Luna. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred; his mother, Maxine Hammock; son, Beau Brandon Leonard; stepson, Cory Pelfrey; father-in-law, Elmer Gasser; his beloved uncle and aunt, Buddy and Katherine Messer.

A private family service will be held at Murray Funeral Home in Creston. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a children’s hospital of your choice or St. Jude’s.