Charles J. Leggett

Mr. Leggett’s biggest legacy to us all was with the Montville Fire Department in Geauga County, which he started from the ground up with Joe Blanyer, in 1948. He became chief after Joe’s death in 1952, for 19 years, retiring in 1973, after serving for 25 years with the department. In the early years Charley was also responsible for rescue calls and was with Chardon Chief of Police, John Bowles, at the site of a particularly horrendous car accident rescue attempt of 7 people, including several children, in Chardon Twp. Police Chief Bowles dropped in front of Charley who then attempted to save him as well as the victims of the accident. Almost 50 years later, he still talked about that day.He was a realistic and complete encourager for everyone seriously desiring to become a member of the family of fire fighters and rescuers. He would go to the wall for any of them. His viewpoint could be questioned but absolutely never his loyalty and profound ethics. His legacy is that he is the embodiment of the Heart and Soul of fire and rescue departments everywhere.His “other” full-time job was with ODOT, where he worked for 47 years as Superintendent of Asphalt and Resurfacing Departments for Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga Counties, retiring in 1980. Charley was an avid fisherman, even into his 90’s and for 47 years went to Quebec with the same group of friends that he still laughed about this last week, recalling stories of their trips. Mr. Leggett was the great nephew of Union Civil War Major-General, Mortimer D. Leggett.Survivors include his twin daughters, Faith Ann Bond (James Simpson) of Burton Twp. and Dayle Bond (Jimmy) VanderKaay of Middlefield Twp., 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and Son in Law James Arp of Claridon Twp. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Irene Cramblett Leggett, whom he married June 20, 1932 in Ripley, NY. His commitment to her was still evident up to the day of her death, August 21, 2004. Despite his frailness in his 90’s, he also stayed devoted to his daughter, Joanna Ruth Arp, during her battle and death from cancer this past December. His daughter, Charlene Bell Peake and parents, Clarence and Della (Kallenburgh) Leggett, are also deceased.Mr. Leggett’s desire at the end was that he would leave the hospital and see his home of over 75 years one last time. His daughters and grandson, Gabriel, were determined this wish would be carried out and they’d care for him for as long as it took. The Montville Fire Department graciously and readily agreed to transport him saying he is one of their own, and he was delighted when one young fireman said “Chief, we’ve come to take you home.” His family and dog were by his side. Less than 12 hours later, he died peacefully.at home.. Donations are suggested to the Montville Fire Department, 9755 Madison Road, Montville, 44064.