Melvin D Leidig

Melvin D. Leidig, 92, of Orrville, Ohio, and formerly of Canton, died March 19, 2018. He was born Aug. 3, 1925, to Rueben and Emily (Teuscher) Leidig in Pompeii, Mich.

He was member of Orrville Mennonite Church. At age 13 he became a Christian and was greatly influenced by the death of his Uncle Dan, who died as a conscientious objector in World War I. As a result, he became a CO. He graduated from Ontario Mennonite Bible Institute and was ordained in Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference. He met his wife, Lois, while in Mennonite Voluntary Service in Saginaw, Mich., where he started Grace Chapel Mennonite Church. He later attended Western Michigan University, where he received both a bachelor's degree in social work and a master's in counseling.

After his graduate work, he was called to First Mennonite Church in Canton. There he helped start South East Community Organization and was involved in many community organizing activities. He worked for social service organizations in Michigan and Ohio while pastoring. He had a pastoral heart and was gifted in helping congregations through transitions. He did many interim pastorates throughout Stark and Wayne counties for both Mennonite and Church of the Brethren congregations. He was an ordained minister in the Ohio Conference of the Mennonite Church.

He was deeply involved in civil rights and peace and justice leadership. An advocate for others, he was especially committed to racial and economic justice. He and Lois enjoyed genealogical research on the Leidig family.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Lois (Gisel); a daughter, Shari Leidig (Scott) Holland of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a sister, Bernice Leidig of Harrisonburg, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Anne Leidig, in 2001, who was developmentally disabled; two brothers, Clarence Leidig and Wilbur Leidig; and two sisters, Hazel Yoder and Gladys Ropp.

Funeral services were held at Orrville Mennonite Church. Burial was in Pettisville Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or to Orrville Mennonite Church.

• Reference: Mennonite World Review - April 2018