Eric V. Leighninger

Eric V. Leighninger of Spring Grove, suddenly, April 21, 2021 at home with his faithful canine at his side. Eric grew up in New Orleans, and always carried a love of hot weather, music, spicy food, and a really good Sazerac. He drank Café du Monde coffee daily to feel connected to his early years. He achieved Eagle Scout award before age 13, an unusual accomplishment, and carried the tenets of service to others. A graduate of Eastern Washington University, Cheney Washington with a Bachelor's in Physics. He received a Master's degree in Mathematics from ASU and began work on a PhD in Mathematics but never completed. Drafted during the Vietnam War, he joined the Navy, following his father, and went to Scotland where he provided invaluable cryptographic work. Post war, he worked for the Department of Defense, Mitre, Boeing, Allstate, and Walgreens. Major accomplishments include: the design and implementation of the Tomahawk Missile, Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), Joint Surveillance Target Attack System (JStars) program, and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) program. His work helped save many lives. Eric heard the call and went to Princeton Seminary where he received his M. Div. A brother Mason in Washington Lodge, NH and Dodgeville Lodge in WI. A man of deep faith in God, service to others, and the power of fellowship. He had a long, varied career in Mathematics and Computer Security fields and made many essential contributions that never came to light. Eric loved to read, do crossword puzzles, and watch movies. He enjoyed nothing better than a rare steak, single malt Scotch, the Macallan please. He enjoyed the beauty of nature and fly fishing. Eric survived the Covid year of isolation and was beginning to plan trips and visits with friends. Eric was an extraordinary man; kind and generous, with a deep faith, penetrating intellect, strong character, boundless energy, and an endless capacity for love. Survived by his devoted wife Julie (Wildberger); children by previous marriages, Christian (Michelle); Zachary Leighninger; Nichole (Tony) Lomardo; grandsons, Ian, Isaac; nephew, Max (Shelby); niece, Sylvanna (Jim). Preceded by parents, Max and Mildred (Evans) Leighninger; brother, Kirk. Visitation, Friday, August 6, 2021, 4 – 6 PM, Community Church of Richmond, 5714 Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL.

Service, Saturday, August 7, 2021, 3 PM, Northfield Community Church, 400 Wagner Rd, Northfield, IL. Services entrusted to Thompson Spring Grove Funeral Home. www.ThompsonSpringGrove.com