Leslie E. Merrill, Sr., 84, of Medina, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 at the Reserve Care Hospice of Medina. He was born in Wellington, Ohio.

Leslie was a proud Army Veteran and embraced everything about Veteran's Day. He retired from TRW in Euclid, Ohio after many years of service. He loved being outdoors and long before retirement he was helping people through his rototilling service, creating new lawns or garden spaces. In retirement he devoted his time to his bee keeping and farmers markets where he sold honey. In addition to his bees and markets, Les started growing and selling vegetables from his own greenhouse and came to be known by many in the Medina area as "The Veggie Man on Nettleton." Les was an avid dancer as well. He was a member of the Jitterbug Club (where they danced more than just the Jitterbug), competed in Ballroom Dance Competitions, making it to the finals on more than one occasion and served as a dance host multiple times on the Queen Mary 2 as it sailed around the world.

When Les moved to Medina, to be closer to family, he found his church home at Cornerstone Chapel where he was a member for more than 20 years., in his words, "I worship and praise the Lord most of the time in my spirit and pray for everyone all around the world."

Leslie is survived by his daughter, Sherry (Merrill) Smith, sons, Leslie, Jr., (Jodi) and Dion (Michelle), all of Medina, grandchildren Briony Smith, of Cincinnati, Dustin Smith, of Medina, Jocelyn Smith (Tucker Thorne) of Delaware, Ohio, Mikala and Caden Merrill of Medina, great-grandson, Camden Smith-Thorne of Delaware, Ohio and cousin Sonja Bennett of Simi Valley, California.
Les is preceded in death by his father, Ralph, stepmother, Mamie, mother, Irene and sister, Darlene.

The family will welcome guests on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2-6 pm. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, and one hour prior to services at the church.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 16 at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Chapel, 3939 Granger Rd., Medina. Burial with Military Honors will follow the church service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd., Seville at 1:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a cancer society or your favorite charity may be made in Leslie's memory. Online condolences may be left in Leslie's memory at www.WaiteFuneralHome.com.