Dr. Edwin E. Leas, Jr.

Dr. Edwin E. Leas, Jr., 82, a distinguished educator and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Eaton, Ohio. Born on January 12, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana son of the late Edwin E. Sr. and Mary Josephine (Shelley) Leas. Dr. Leas devoted more than four decades to the advancement of education and the enrichment of countless lives through his extensive career and leadership.

A graduate of Monroe Township High School in Preble County, Dr. Leas pursued higher education with unwavering commitment. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Manchester College, followed by a Master's Degree from Xavier University, and culminated his academic journey with a Ph.D. from Miami University. His scholastic achievements were matched by an illustrious career marked by diverse roles that spanned classroom teaching, counseling, administration, and college lecturing.

Dr. Leas began his professional journey from 1966 to 1971 at Lanier Township School as a Physical Education and Driver's Education teacher. He then served in various capacities including Elementary Mathematics Teacher, Guidance Counselor, and Special Education Coordinator. His leadership capabilities shone through his extensive tenure as Elementary Principal and Computer Education Coordinator at Eaton City Schools between 1979 and 1987. Dr. Leas also imparted knowledge as an adjunct professor at multiple respected institutions such as Ashland University, Muskingum College, University of Dayton, Miami University, and Indiana University East, where he specialized in courses covering leadership skills, curriculum development, and educational psychology.

A stalwart in educational administration, Dr. Leas held pivotal roles such as Assistant Superintendent of East Muskingum Local Schools (1987-1993), Superintendent of Ansonia Local Schools (1993-1996), and Interim Superintendent of Eaton City Schools in 1999. His work extended well beyond administration into community involvement, including coaching varsity cross country at Eaton High School and fostering education through grant writing and curriculum coordination up until 2014.

Throughout his career, Dr. Leas was actively involved with numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio Association of Local School Administrators, and the Consortium for Instructional Improvement. His leadership was evident in his roles on planning and program committees, such as chairing the Planning Committee for the Consortium for Instructional Improvement and co-planning the East Muskingum Schools’ Strategic Planning Program. Among his proudest accomplishments were serving as Board Chairman of the Preble County Mental Health Board in 1981 and holding executive positions in the Southern Ohio Chapter of Manchester College Alumni and the Western Ohio Superintendents' and Principals' Roundtable.

Dr. Leas’s contributions went beyond professional achievements; his personal passions reflected a life of warmth and creativity. He loved singing, playing his ukulele and guitar, and treasured spending time with his family and friends. His legacy also lives on through the Ed Leas Fall Classic invitational held at Fort St. Clair Park, an enduring testament to his influence as a coach and mentor. In 2017, Coach Ed was inducted into the Preble County Athletic Hall of Fame for the 1980 Eaton Cross County Team Fourth Place State Championship.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fanny E. (Overholser) Leas, who passed in 2015, and his sister, Bonnie K. (William Sr.) Jones.

Dr. Leas is survived by his daughters Amy E. (Gary Jacob) Leas and Nanette E. (Michael Jay) Leas-McGowan; his sister Joellen (Lou) Driggs; grandson Emmett Jacob; brothers-in-law Jack (Peggy) Overholser and John Overholser; sisters-in-law Carol (Larry) Oda and Jo Ann Overholser; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

His life was deeply rooted in his faith community at Eaton Community Church, where he also served on the planning board for the building of the Eaton Church of the Brethren on North Barron Street.

A viewing to honor Dr. Leas’s life will be held at Barnes Funeral Home, 220 East Main Street, Eaton, Ohio, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The funeral service will follow on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Eaton Community Church, 813 Camden Road, Eaton, Ohio with Dr. Rev. Dan Denlinger officiating. Interment will be held in Ware's Chapel Cemetery, near West Manchester, Ohio.

Dr. Edwin E. Leas, Jr. leaves behind a profound legacy of educational excellence, community leadership, and heartfelt dedication. His contributions have shaped the educational landscape and impacted generations, reflecting a life lived with purpose, integrity, and compassion. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.