NEWARK: A funeral service for Ralph R. Leslie, Jr., 82 of Newark will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 19, 2010 in the Newark Chapel of Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Ralph was born August 25, 1927 in Newark; the only child of the late Ralph R. and Flossie (Current) Leslie. He graduated from Hanover/Toboso High School in 1946. He retired from E. T. Rugg where he was a punch press operator and side plate set screw installer. He also packed the mowers.

Ralph played basketball, football and softball as a youth and as an adult he became an avid fan of Newark Wildcats Basketball and rarely missed a home game. He attended a few out of town games as well. He was a Cincinnati Red's fan and enjoyed watching the games on television and occasionally attending a home game. You could ask Ralph any sports question and he had the answers. He loved playing Euchre and many family and friends could be found at his parent's kitchen table enjoying an evening of cards. He rarely missed a family reunion, either in Newark or Pike County, Ohio. He loved to sing tenor with his father accompanying in perfect harmony.

Ralph is survived by special cousins Judy (George) Kaercher and Janet (Jack) Simi of Newark; also special friends Kathryn Kissell of Granville, Dorothy Thoma of Newark and neighbors Ernie and Phyllis Wilcox of Heath, Ohio, and many cousins in Newark, Columbus, Springfield and Pike County Ohio .

Family and friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Vensil-Orr & Chute Funeral Home, 1850 W. Main Street, Newark.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.