Donald H. Ley

Donald Ley, 89, of Bucyrus, died on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at his home.

He was born on January 5, 1937 in Mount Vernon to the late Albert and Lottie (Beller) Ley. He was a 1956 graduate of Bucyrus High School, however, prior to graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie I. Bippus on November 18, 1955. Her mother was in failing health, and this allowed her to see her daughter get married.

Donnie was a hardworking family man who instilled both Christian values and a strong work ethic in those he loved. He was a lifelong member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, serving on council and was seated in his pew on most Sundays until his recent decline in health. With a work ethic second to no one, Donnie or “Moose” as referred to by fellow employees, spent 44 years as a machinist with Galion Iron Works/Komatsu prior to retiring in 1999. There were many years when he worked multiple jobs and also cared for projects around their home. Donnie served as a Scout Master for Troop 321 for 20 plus years. He was proud to have played a part in both sons earning their Eagle Scout Award and felt privileged to have visited the Philmont Scout Ranch in Arizona on three different occasions.

In their early years, the family spent many weekends camping and were fond of both River Bend and Pleasant Hill campgrounds. They also enjoyed many weekends spent at his brother’s lake house in Apple Valley where Donnie drove the boat for family and friends to waterski. He loved hunting and was thankful for the assistance of his beagles while outdoors. Saturdays were reserved for washing and waxing the car, and following retirement, he very much looked forward to gathering with friends for breakfast. He had a great sense of humor and always seemed to have the right words at the right time to help bring a laugh. No matter what Donnie was into he always had a favorite Dutch Master cigar or puffed on one of his many pipes filled with Cherry Blend. He was an avid reader who preferred books on Western’s and when not reading about them, he loved watching them on TV.

In addition to Bonnie, his wife of 70 plus years, Donnie is survived by sons, Tim (Debbie) Ley of Bucyrus and Gregg (Char) Ley of Ft. Pierce, Florida; grandchildren, Neill Ley, Tara Ley, Brian (Lexi) Ley, Jeff Ehrhart, Ashley Ley, Preston Ley, Jessalyn Mohn and Jerika Davis; many great grandchildren, nieces, Barb (Tom) Ley-Davidson and Cindy Snavely and son-in-law, Steve Ehrhart.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Jill Ehrhart; and siblings, Leo (Magdalena) Ley and Betty May (Richard) Snavely.

His family will receive friends from 10 – 10:55 am on Saturday, August 1 at Wise Funeral Service, immediately follow by funeral at 11:00 am with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made payable to Good Hope Lutheran Church and notated to either the Organ or Radio Fund. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.