RICHARD L. “DICK” LESLIE, 79, of Springfield, died peacefully Sunday afternoon, December 30, 2007 in his residence following a lengthy illness.

He was born in Springfield the son of Otto and Ruth (Thompson) Leslie.

He was a graduate of Springfield High School and The Ohio State University College of Engineering with a degree in chemical engineering. Dick retired as Director of Quality from Steel Products (Kelsey-Hayes) after over 38 years of service. He was a member of Oakland Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and deacon and a member of Mitchell Hills Country Club. When able, he played golf nearly every day and enjoyed fishing, but mostly he enjoyed his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Norma Lee (Smith) Leslie; a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa L. and Todd R. Horton of Springfield; a son, Richard L. Leslie Jr. of Columbus; two grandchildren, Taylor C. and Brenna N. Horton; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the “A Team” of Drs. Kneisley, Nedelman, Singh, and Gabbard as well as the great people at the Springfield Regional Cancer Center and Community Mercy Hospice.

The family will hold a private funeral service and burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Mercy Hospice, 1343 N. Fountain Blvd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital & Richard Solove Research Institute, P.O. Box 183109, Columbus, Ohio 43218.