Leonard “’Sonny’” George Truex

Leonard George ‘Sonny’ Truex, age 91 of Lima, passed at 11:58 p.m., Sunday, April 10, 2022 at his home. He was born January 19, 1931 in Weirton, West Virginia to the late Leonard Theodore and Mary Margaret Robinson Truex. On October 1, 1960 he married Sonya J. Thompson, who passed on July 12, 2020.

Mr. Truex is survived by a son – Miles L. (Christine) Truex of Wapakoneta; 5 grandchildren – Michael (Ryanne) Truex; Alexandra Truex; Sonya Truex; Anamya Truex; Emilee Truex; 2 great grandchildren – Evynn and Lincoln Truex; a brother – Larry ‘Fuzz’ Truex of Lima; 2 sisters – Kathy Truex of Washington; and Teri Truex of Oregon.

He was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Ronald Truex and Arthur Truex.

He graduated from Lima Central High School and Ohio State University. After graduation he joined the U.S. Airforce serving in England and Germany. In 1970 Sonny and Sonya moved to California and back to Ohio in 2005. Before moving to California, he worked at Ford Motor Company for 10 years, and was a contractor building houses.

Sonny started his life out small, had stomach trouble and had a messed-up knee. At the age of 17, he was at Schoonover’s Park working, making sure the sprinklers were in order, when he out lapped the other boys. In high school he represented Team Ohio, defeating top seniors from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. During his sophomore year at Ohio State, he was the fastest Buckeye ever. He set the indoor mile record and set the stadium record, in the Horseshoe) for 880-yard dash. In 1951 Ohio won the Big Ten Championship title in the mile. This was the first time an Ohio State Athlete ever won the mile. Sonny competed in 1952 for the 1500 meter. He continued competing for the U.S. Airforce from 1954-1956 where he set his personal record. Lima Senior High School retired his number, #5 jersey on his 85th birthday.

His hobbies included fishing, playing ping pong – table tennis at the Senior Citizens Center, and play bingo. He enjoyed woodworking and his craftmanship made him popular with celebrities. He had good sense of humor, being a practical joker, and hitting the reset button. Sonny will be remember for his talents, his attention to detail, and always doing the right thing.

Memorial services will begin 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Burial will follow in St. Matthew Cemetery, near Cridersville, where military rites will be observed by the U. S. Airforce and the V.F.W. Post 1275 of Lima.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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