Obituary of Robert Elmer

At the age of 81, Leo Elmer died peacefully on April 28, 2013, with his loving wife, Barbara and his children, at his side. Leo was born in Erieville, NY on January 1, 1932, the son of Leroy Elmer & Hazel Woodcock-Tayntor. His grandparents Albert and Bessie Elmer played a large role in his upbringing; he loved them dearly. Leo married Barbara Wightman in 1952. He was a Korean War veteran, serving in the Army from 1952-54. In 1958 Barb and Leo moved to Clinton where Leo built their home with the help of his brother in-laws Harold Brown and Reg Smith. This crew, along with family & friends, contributed many empty Genesee beer cans to backfill the house. Barb, Leo, and family proceeded to spend 50+ happy years at their residence. After retiring from General Cigar Corp in 1994, Leo was able to spend more time with family, friends, horses, and the Amish. These were the things he loved most. Amish from NY to WI affectionately referred to him as the "Apple Man". He would buy bins of apples from Twin Orchards and trade them for Amish vegetables and baked goods. An ample supply of candy was always at hand to give to all the Amish children. Likewise, Leo's grandchildren also received an unhealthy dose of chocolate, candy, and sweets; he was incapable of saying "No" to his children and grandchildren. Leo will be greatly missed by his wife, Barb, their children: Bob, Dave (spouse Cindy), and Susan Krebs (spouse Scott), his grandchildren: Heather, Dustin, Hillary, Malorie, Ben, Anneliese, Jessica and Tyler, and his great grandchildren: Erika, Jayden, his surviving brother Vern Elmer and wife Sheila, sister in-laws Edie Russ, Linda Wightman, and Sybil Hartshorn as well as Greg Matcham who was like a son, a loving extended family of nieces and nephews, their families, and all the friends he made along his way. Leo is predeceased by his sister Joyce Wells and great-grandson Liam. A memorial service is being planned for some time in the summer. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, can be made to, Lairdsville United Methodist Church-State Route 5 Clinton NY 13323, COCVAC (Central Oneida County Ambulance Corps)-P.O. Box 399, Clark Mills, NY 13321, or Presbyterian Home-P.O. Box 1144 New Hartford, NY 13413.