Robert Lee Leadman

“Spotty Bob'' Leadman, age 79, passed away peacefully in his Centerville home on the evening of December 27, 2022. He was surrounded by all of his family and grandkids who affectionately called him Pop-Pop. Robert was born in Charleston, West-“By God''-Virginia on February 13, 1943 to Carl Thomas and Frieda Mae (ne Cox). He was the eldest of three brothers and lived most of his school years in South Charleston. He worked as an apprentice printer for the Charleston Gazette-Mail before entering into the United States Air Force in 1964 with his brother David. He worked as an aircraft electrical repair technician. He said he “volunteered numerous times to go to Vietnam just to get out of Texas.” But he and his brother David ended up being stationed in Turkey doing repairs on aircrafts often in remote locations. After serving in the Air Force he worked for AT&T in the Long Lines Department doing installation and maintenance of communication equipment. 

After searching for a meaning of life that MAN couldn’t provide, Robert went on to do Biblical studies at The Way International in New Knoxville, Ohio as a student and staff member. Here, he would meet his future wife, life long friends and a mentor that he considered a father. The Bible became his rulebook for faith and practice and truly formed Robert into becoming the man we knew and loved. On September 14, 1974 Robert married the love of his life Karen Kerger and they went on to have three wonderful daughters. Eventually his family moved to Centerville, Ohio where he began his own Automotive Touch Up Company and thus “Spotty Bob” was born. He became the best Auto Touchup Technician in the Miami Valley, sought after by many dealerships and private clients because of his strong work ethic and attention to detail. 

Robert was known for never meeting a stranger – he selflessly LOVED people and always tried to make anyone he was around feel included, uplifted and encouraged. He forgave endlessly, was honest and held everyone he loved to a higher standard and by doing so, was a true friend. Robert lived a million different lives. He was interested in everything from organic gardening, fishing and self-sufficient living, to automotive repair, aeronautics, baseball & tennis (to mention just a few). He even shot skeet in the European Open in Germany while in the Military. His book collection was formidable. He was a jack of all trades, could fix anything, was an inventor and had impeccable penmanship. His taste and knowledge in music was unparalleled and he was a DJ for a short while for an underground radio station. He gave hugs that would crack your back and a handshake that left its own impression to say the least. His homemade hot sauce was a legend in and of itself. He was the biggest fan of all of his girls (his wife included) and gave them endless support. But first and foremost, he was a lover of God and His Word and endeavored to stand for its integrity and let his life be an example of what he knew to be true. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Karen, his daughters Ursula Bolognini (Jesse), Maggie Leadman, Amanda Lambdin (Matt) and his grandchildren Arabella & Leo Bolognini, Ellis & Loretta Lambdin. AND Bear the dog, who is 78 in dog years. Also surviving are his brother David Leadman (Nancy) of White Sulphur Springs, WV, His Sisters-in-law Shari Leadman of Martinsburg, WV and Gabriela Ganly (Jim) of Alameda, CA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He proudly served in the Seventh Way Corp and US Air Force and when people thanked him for his service in person, he always responded with “you were worth it”...and he meant it. When anyone asked him ‘how are you?’, he loved to respond “perfect and I’m working on it.” He knew what he had on the inside was perfect spiritually but the work was in his mind to align his thoughts and actions to that truth. Though the sting of death will take time to heal, we are comforted in knowing that Christ will return one day to gather his children, dead and alive, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Comfort one another with these words.

 I Corinthians 15:51-58, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Isaiah 26:3