Pleasant Hill History Center

Leo Rasor

Leo was born July 23, 1921 in Adams Township, Darke County, to Harvey E. and Awilda "Vertie" (Oliver) Rasor. He married Arlene J. (Wick) Rasor on July 25, 1942 in Greenville.

For many years, Leo along with his wife Arlene owned and operated the Leo Rasor Plumbing and Heating Service in Bradford. They also retired from cattle farming which included jersey and black angus cattle.

Leo entered the Army in August of 1942 at Ft. McClelland, Ala. He then went to Officers Candidate School in Ft. Benning, Ga., and graduated in the spring of 1943. Leo participated with the 34th Division at Monte Casino, Italy where he was wounded February 11, 1944 and received the Purple Heart.

Leo was a life member of the American Legion Post 80 of Covington and life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He was a well-known genealogist along with his wife Arlene and belonged to numerous genealogical societies in the state of Ohio and also participated in many other states.

He was president of the Miami County Historical and Genealogical Society. He served as 4-H advisor for over 12 years for the Newton Blue Ribbon Club and was a 10 year 4-H member as well. He served as president for the Miami County 4-H Council. He served on the United Church of Christ Archives Committee which he chaired for many years.

Leo and Arlene worked very hard to make the Newton Museum what it is today.  They purchased many pieces of local memorabilia that are displayed in our museum.  Leo also published a book on the Pleasant Hill Monument, the proceeds of which went to fund our museum.

Leo and Arlene were involved with the Old Soldier Festival.  Leo did research on the soldiers listed on the monument.  He identified descendants of those soldiers and presented certificates to them.

Leo E. Rasor died October 22, 2003, at Covington Care Center at the age of 82.

The Pleasant Hill History Center is very fortunate to have had such a strong genealogist and historian who helped make the museum successful.

 Thank you, Leo!!

Grand Marshals at the Old Soldier Festival

 Leo at Kiwanis Club

Jack Coate with Leo at the Old Soldier Festival

 Lesa Delcamp with Leo at the Old Soldier Festival