Leroy Eimers
Dr. Leroy Eimers, 81, passed peacefully to his eternal home in heaven early on Monday, January 23.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather and teacher, Lee was professor emeritus at Cedarville University, where he taught physics and advanced mathematics for more than 30 years. He was also active in his local church, Emmanuel Baptist Church of Xenia, where he served for more than four decades in numerous roles, including deacon, deacon emeritus, and leader for the church's juvenile detention center ministry.
Born in Ripley, NY, to the late Earl and Florence Eimers, Lee attended Hobart College and earned his doctorate in theoretical physics and mathematics from Syracuse University with full academic scholarships and nearly perfect academic scores. After a brief stint as editor for a scientific journal in Long Island, NY, Lee pursued his passion for teaching, mentoring and sharing Christ with students by teaching at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN, for a decade before becoming a professor at Cedarville University.
Lee married his high school sweetheart, Dr. Sharon (Payne) Eimers in 1962 and they taught together at Cedarville until Sharon's death in 2001. Lee and Sharon had three daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great granddaughters, including Tamara and Bob Meoak with children Joel (and Sarah) Meoak, Alyssa (and Sean) Jones, Karalee Meoak and Jonah Meoak; Kim and Jim Burns with children Brock (and Sarah) Burns and granddaughters Charlotte and Reagan Burns as well as son Joshua Burns; and Renee and George Goodwin, MD, with children Caleb, Sharon and Shayna Goodwin.
After Sharon's death, Lee met and married his wife of more than 20 years, Barbara (Coursey) Eimers. He and Barbara were active in several roles at Emmanuel Baptist, including the church's Friday Night Alive ministry to the local juvenile detention center. With Barbara, Lee became father to Jennifer (and Mike) Crews and grandfather to their children Travis (and Lisa) Crews and their son Henry; to Christopher (and Brooke) Crews and their son Mark and to Joshua Crews. Lee also gained a son, Elliot Coursey with wife Carolyn and their children Haleigh, Mark and Alex. Lee was also preceded in death by Barbara's son John Coursey Jr.
Known for his witty sense of humor and love of puns, Lee had numerous hobbies and was involved in many local activities. He spoke many foreign languages and played numerous instruments, from the piano and trumpet to the violin. He was a member of the Yellow Springs Strings group, and composed music for the group. Lee also painted, drew and created pottery. He was active with John Bryan Community Pottery studio for many years. In addition, Lee was an amateur ham radio operator, avid reader, talented writer and cyclist. He loved unusual hobbies, from riding a unicycle in college to juggling, performing magic and playing the accordion. No matter what the endeavor, Lee focused on using his talents and skills to honor God and share Christ.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Lee is survived by his brother, Richard (Stephanie) Eimers of Ripley, NY, sister Cheryl (Rob) Brown, of Hixson, TN. He was preceded in death by brother Roger Eimers. but survived by Roger's wife, Wendy, of Lakeland, FL. He is also survived by numerous extended family members, including in-laws, nieces and nephews.
There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at MOVE Church, 13061 Touchtone Circle, in Woodbridge, Va., on Monday, Jan. 30, at 3 p.m. A second Celebration of Life will also take place at Lee's home church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1120 South Detroit Street, Xenia, OH on March 11, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friday Night Alive Ministry c/o Emmanuel Baptist Church online @EBCXenia.org (marked "love offering").