The family of Maurice Lee "Toad" Fleming is sad to announce his sudden passing from cardiac arrest on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at The Retreat in Berryville, VA, where he had resided for just a short time.  "Toad," as he was nicknamed by his father because as an early walker, he "hopped like a little toad," was born in Leesburg on March 11, 1931, to Wallace Beavers Fleming and Grace Lowe Fleming.  The family eventually moved to a farm in Waterford where he and his older brother were raised and where he formed many friendships and developed a strong religious faith guided by his mother.

A hard worker all his life, for many years "Toad" was a heavy equipment operator for L. B. Mason and Son, and then for several years he delivered home heating oil for various fuel companies. He finally culminated his work-life at the age of 85 as a custodian at Farmwell Station Middle School in Ashburn, VA, the job he enjoyed most of all and where he was respected by the students as well as the staff.  He was fondly referred to as "Mr. Toad," and was treated like everyone's grandfather which he loved!  "Toad" easily made friends wherever he went - never met a stranger.  He will be greatly missed.

"Toad" lived in Hamilton for almost 70 years and was deeply invested in the community having served in his younger years on the town council and for several decades as a proud member of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, Company 5, also known as "The Fighting 5th."  There, too, he made many life-long friendships that were important to him.  Likewise, the family is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and many visits provided by good friends, Colleen and Greg Wilmoth.

"Toad" is survived by is wife of almost 71 years, Barbara Athey Fleming, and his daughter Linda Edmondson (Gregory, deceased), and his son, Lawrence Fleming (Patty).  He also leaves to cherish his memory, granddaughters Natalie Davenport (Casey), Amy Sarver (Tony), Tracie Trent (Mark), and Kelli Fleming.  His beloved great-grandchildren are Madison, Kelsey, and Reid Davenport, Trey and Colt Sarver, and infant Finley Trent.   Besides his parents, "Toad" was predeceased by his infant brother Louis; admittedly his best friend and older brother Wallace Fleming, Jr.; his son-in-law Gregory Edmondson; and his infant granddaughter Ashley Fleming.

Visitation is scheduled for January 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. to be followed by funeral ceremony at 12:00 at Colonial Funeral Home, Leesburg, VA.  Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Hamilton Fire and Rescue www.hamiltonfire.org