Leonard P. Slother
Leonard P. Slother, 83, of Tyrone and formerly of Philipsburg, died peacefully at his home on Monday, January 27, 2025. Leonard was born on June 11, 1941, in Philipsburg, a son of the late Edward P. and Mary V. (Swisher) Slother.
He was a 1959 graduate of the Philipsburg – Osceola Mills Area High School. Several years following high school, Leonard was drafted and served with the US Army during the Vietnam War era. His most significant assignments during his service were with the 8th. US Army 226 Signal Co., Korea, a support group to UN Command, Panmunjom, Korea; and the 4th. Admin. Co., 4th. Inf. Division, Ft. Lewis, Washington. For his service, Leonard was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, Korea Defense Service Medal, Honorable Service Commemorative Medal, United Nations Military Service, and Army Overseas Ribbon.
Leonard enjoyed a career of over 30 years in journalism covering local sports and was employed by several local papers during his career. He was employed as the Sports Editor at the Tyrone Daily Herald from January 1966 to September 1998. He was also the Sports Editor for the Philipsburg Daily Journal from 1958 until 1966 and a sportswriter for The Progress from 1956 to 1966.
Leonard was active in the local community and his memberships and accolades include: the Tyrone VFW, Post #4559, where he was an Adjutant, Past-Commander and served as a state convention delegate over a dozen times and also elected to serve as a delegate for a national convention; Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Co. “Hookies,” Tyrone, Pa.; Tyrone American Legion, Post #281; Moshannon Valley AMVETS, Post #159, Philipsburg; Tyrone LOOMoose Lodge #25, where he was a Past-Governor; Society of Slovak Workingmen (Slovak Club), Osceola Mills; and a Life Member in the DAV. He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for service in South Korea from the VFW Dist. 22 VFW Commander. He was also inducted into the Tyrone Area High School Wrestling Hall of Fame and the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Leonard was also an active volunteer in local youth programs including serving as a board member for the Tyrone Youth Football League in the late 1960’s into the early 1970’s and serving as a coach for the Warriors Mark Little and Minor League baseball programs.
Leonard was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers fan.
Leonard is survived by his stepson, Timothy S. Waite of Louisiana; step-grandsons, Timothy S. Jr. of Altoona and Michael R. of Tyrone; eight step-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Murray of Kylertown; brothers, James Slother of Dewart and Patrick “Mike” Slother of Milton; four nieces; six nephews; and many other extended family members. In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his former wife, Barbara Waite; sister, Mildred Miller; brothers, Rodney E. and Joseph F. Slother; and nephews, Bradley and Douglas Miller.
A funeral service will be held from at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 719 E. Spruce Street, Philipsburg, on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1 pm.
The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Thursday from 11 am until the time of the service.
Interment with Military Honors will be at Philipsburg Cemetery.
Flowers will be provided by the family.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.beezerheathfh.com.
