W. Amos Leatherman left this world on July 20 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. The passing of this beloved son, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and friend leaves our world forever changed.
Amos had many talents, but among his most memorable was his “gift of gab”. Absolutely no one could tell a story like Amos – his sense of humor and ability to create the scene always had his audience laughing and wanting more. He was our unofficial family historian for all funny stories. Had he pursued it we know he could have been a wildly successful stand-up comedian with his robust laugh and ability to deliver a punchline.
Wherever he went, Amos naturally became the life of the party. People naturally gravitated to him because of his engaging, friendly, funny personality. If you met Amos, you liked him. He had a wide circle of friends, many dating back to elementary and high school, and he kept in regular contact with all, often meeting at one of his favorite watering holes to solve world problems and reminisce. He could carry on a conversation about a myriad of subjects, from history, sports, politics, theology, and cars, and never stopped learning.
He was a proud alumnus of Catholic Central High School and made sure his three daughters attended as well. His devotion to the Catholic faith was interwoven in his life. He was also a graduate of Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Amos loved lake life and boating and spent many hours on Hamlin Lake. The now-grown kids who visited fondly remember him pulling them around (and around) on tubes for much of the day, along with great conversations and maybe a beverage when the anchor was dropped. Nights were reserved for sitting around a roaring campfire with family and friends, making memories, and then more conversation in The Bunker.
Amos’ personality and intelligence served him well in his professional career where he followed in his mother Bunny’s footsteps and was highly successful in sales. Any company that was fortunate enough to employ knew of his skills, dedication, and ethics. Most recently he sold large volumes of bricks for buildings throughout a 3-state region. Amos would have Wendy accompany him on some of his sales trips, and they would make mini vacations out of them.
Family was everything to Amos. He loved his daughters Ashley Leatherman, Hallie Leatherman, and Erin (Alejandro Ignacio) Leatherman fiercely, and welcomed his three stepchildren, Madeline, Molly and Mitchell Lake, and dog Leo when he was fortunate to meet and marry his love, Wendy. Amos especially enjoyed riding around in the convertible with Wendy and their dog Leo. The Leatherman kids – Sandra (John) Quick, Cheryl (Tom Fitzgerald) Leatherman, and Amos and his love Wendy – had a bond no one could break, and they enjoyed many family trips here and abroad over the years. They were together until the end. Amos will also be missed by in-laws, Gerald and Susie Zahm; and sister-in-law, Tammy (Paul) Parrott.
There is never a good time to release a loved one, but the family is comforted knowing Amos’ mom Bunny and dad Bert along with countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were there to greet him. We know there’s a homecoming celebration going on, and Amos is at the center of it all.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 am Friday, July 23, 2021, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 with visitation one-hour prior. Fr. Scott Nolan presiding. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Central Boosters, 319 Sheldon Mall SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
7 Responses
Rest easy my friend.
I’ve known Amos for many many years, worked together at Lincoln Brick, but then later stayed in touch and bought brick and stone from him after that while working at Arlington Brick, then Best Block, before I retired in March of this year. Amos and I have had many rounds of golf together, and he always joked how excited he was when he got one in the air. We made trips to Canada and toured the plant, but most of all, he was a good good friend! I cherished my friendship with him, and from the day we found about his cancer battle, my family and I began praying for him, every single day. I called him on many many occasions, checking up on him, and we always texted back and forth.
I spoke on the phone with him this past Monday the 19th, asked how he was doing, told him we were praying for him. He always sounded upbeat and would say I’m hanging in there bud!!! I thank God for having Amos in my life. My life is much better for it. We will continue to pray for all of his family.
We are saddened by the passing of Amos. Our love and prayers are with Wendy and family at this difficult time ♥️
His write up left me wishing I had known him better. Sounds like he was quite the guy and fun to be around. Our sincere sympathies to you Wendy and all of Amos’s family and friends.
My Condolences to to the Letterman family. Amos and I worked together for several years at Essroc Cement His cheerfull, upbeat and humerous personality always made the day brighter no matter what the situation was I wish we had more time together. Rest in Peace My Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with Amos and his entire family! Amos was a great friend of the Tietema family and will be truly missed.
Amos was a great guy. He sold me brick for many years. We became the best of friends. I’m so thankful he was part of my life. They don’t come any better.