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David Leininger Obituary
MAHOMET – David Michael Leininger, 68, of Mahomet died on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
There will be a visitation on from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Blair-Owens Funeral Home, 102 E. Dunbar, Mahomet, with a masonic service at 7:45 p.m.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home. The Rev. Lutz Braunig will officiate.
Interment will be in Camp Butler VA Cemetery, Springfield. Full military rites will be accorded.
Dave was born in Bloomington, Ill., on Aug. 24, 1940, to Donald and Betty (Broaddus) Leininger.
He left his hometown at the age of 17 to join the Air Force and seek his fame and fortune, while attempting to find his niche in life.
During his long journey, Dave completed a 28-year career in the USAF, retiring in 1986 as a chief master sergeant, followed by 11 more years providing contractor support to the U.S. Government in Germany and Washington, D.C.
He spent over 20 years in Germany, and he claimed that Stuttgart was his "second home."
His Air Force career also included many "part-time" jobs with which he supplemented his meager military income, allowing his family to live in a style that they were definitely not accustomed to.
He was a bartender, auto mechanic, door-to-door pill salesman, airplane-gas jockey, CB-radio sales service and repairman, auto-parts counter salesman, aircraft-radio installer and microcomputer programmer.
Dave and his wife of almost 40 years, Edna O'Neal Leininger, raised five children, David II, Betty, Patrick, Joseph and Ann. Edna preceded Dave in death on Feb. 20, 1997.
He was a lifelong Varna United Methodist Church member, a lifetime member of Randolph Masonic Lodge 1268 in Schertz, Texas ("Where it all begins"), and member of The Order of the Eastern Star.
Dave was also a member of the MOAA, Amvets, the American Legion, Royal Ark Mariners and Scottish Rite (SJ), the Twin City Amateur Radio Club of Champaign/Urbana and, finally, the registered agent, 2nd vice president and Webmaster of the Vermilion County Amateur Radio Association of Danville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Red Cross, 404 Ginger Bend Drive, Champaign.
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for David Leininger
Sponsored by anonymous.
Steve Smith
September 28, 2013
I pray God blesses you and yours. Dave and Betty were kind to me in Germany. I enjoyed the jokes that hinted about deeper things. One quote I remember was "Life is like a river" and then if a person challenged that he added "and then again maybe not." :)
Ed and Anja Stephens
February 23, 2009
Though I didn't get to know Dave on a personal level, his legend persists here in Germany. And thru him I got to meet some of his kids. We're saddened by your loss Betty and Pat and our prayers are with you and all of the Leininger family. Regards, Ed and Anja
Jean Davis
February 11, 2009
Ann, we at the Marshall County Historical Society are deeply saddened to hear of Dave's death. He meant so much to all of us and helped tremendously while serving on the Board of Directors and handling the WEB for us. We will miss him every day.
Jean Davis, Mg. Director
Mike Trautman
February 11, 2009
Dave was a powerful presence in the ham radio community. His energy, effort and support strengthened both the Twin City Amateur Radio Club and the Champaign County Amateur Radio Emergency Services groups. W9DML will be missed by anyone who has heard his sonorous voice on the air. "73" Dave, from all your friends in ham radio! K9MLT
Laura and Steve Jalbert
February 10, 2009
Our thoughts are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Winnie Willhelm
February 10, 2009
Betty, I will always have good memories of you and your dad while I worked for you at Ramstein AFB. My prayers are with you during this time. The world has lost one of the best.
Winnie Willhelm (former Robinson)
Tammy McCracken
February 10, 2009
Betty and family,
You will be in our prayers. We are very saddened by your loss. You have our deepest condolences.
David, Tammy, Tyler, Connor and Mattie McCracken
Rick Mayhew
February 9, 2009
Pat & Kelly,
The Mayhew family will have your families in our thoughts and prayers. May the pain pass quickly.
Rick, Debbie, Bob and Tina Mayhew
Nancy Saville (Clarence Schulte)
February 9, 2009
Betty and family,
You are in my prayers. Dave was a unique and exciting man. I didn't see him often, but treasured the times since high school when we crossed paths.
Tonia Forscher
February 9, 2009
To Lisa, Kelly, Sam, Tina: sending our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. All Our Love, Tonia, Geoff, Kristy and Holly
Stephanie Sleister
February 9, 2009
Dear Ann,
I am very sorry for your loss, I will miss him greatly.
Stephanie
James and Barbara Olive
February 8, 2009
We were sorry to hear of your father death.
The Leininger family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard & Anita Natonick
February 8, 2009
Our memories of your dad, your mom and you children at Patch Barracks in Germany are fond. Your dad was the one who made the annual Stuttgart-American Wandering Club Volksmarch a successful social event to benefit the German American community at Patch Barracks. He was a true leader, guiding us with his years of experience. He took so many of us in like we were his own children, nurturing us to ensure our success. We believe a big part of who we are today is because of the values your dad instilled in us when we were just starting our military careers.
We enjoyed visiting with him during his days in the Washington, D.C. area. We know it was difficult for him being there with the family being in Illinois. He was always so proud of all of his children and spent hours discussing your accomplishments.
Anne, thank you so much for calling. To all of you we send our deepest sympathy.
Rick & Anita Natonick
Harker Heights, Texas
Charles Barisch
February 8, 2009
Glad that I was able to see and talk to Dave at our 50th class reunion, and his mother's 90th birthday get together.
Steve Karr
February 8, 2009
Ann,
We are so sorry. Dave was so very kind and generous in helping Nicholas through his Ham radio journey. We will forever remember W9DML! Call if you need anything.
Steve & Nicholas Karr
KC9PAA & KC9OAC
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