Merle Leisher

Merle E. “Doggie” Leisher, age 83, of Chambersburg, PA passed away peacefully in his sleep at Manor Care Nursing and Rehab Center in Chambersburg on Sunday, December 23, 2012 with his family at his side. Born July 6, 1929 in Chambersburg, he was the son of the late Robert and Hazel Cockley Leisher.
A 1947 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School, he was an outstanding athlete, playing football and basketball. He played for and coached the Chambersburg Cardinals in the early 1950s. He attended George Washington University for one year and was also drafted by the Detroit Lions. In 1990, he was inducted in to the PIAA Hall of Fame. He served in the military during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of several local clubs, including B.P.O.E. Elks #600, where many years ago he worked as a bartender; the Burt J. Asper, Post 46, American Legion in Chambersburg, and The Chambersburg Club.
Surviving are three children, Sandra J. Myers of Fayetteville, Douglas K. Leisher (wife Michele) of Chambersburg, and Craig B. Leisher (wife Rayelle) of Chambersburg; eight grandchildren, Karen Hunt of Fayetteville, Matthew L. Myers of Chambersburg, Adam Leisher of Florida, Jena, Amber, and Kaleah Leisher all of Chambersburg, Daniel Wiser and Douglas Wiser both of Berwyn, PA; three great-grandchildren, Kassidy and Erika Hunt and Caleb Myers; four brothers, Arnold E. of Chambersburg, Robert D. of Gulph Mills, PA, Eber K. (wife Nancy) of Shippensburg, and Elden R. “Whitey” Leisher (wife Victoria) of Chambersburg; and one sister, Ocie Lee McClure of Chambersburg and a sister-in-law, Cinda Leisher (widow of Harry G.) of Chambersburg and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Horst Leisher; a daughter, Sharon K. Wiser; three brothers, George W. “Orp”, Marvin G., and Harry G. Leisher; two sisters, Starr L. Suders and Hazel L. “Suzy” Addlesberger; and Nephews, Robert Suders and Bobby Leisher.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA; where Pastor Scott Bowerman will officiate. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 30 from 6:00 until 9:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Monday in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Parklawns Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to Central Presbyterian Church, Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA or to the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, Country Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17202.