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Thomas Leinart Obituary

LEINART, SR., Thomas E Age 63 of Franklin, TN, passed away October 30, 2009. Born in Etowah, TN, a retired machinist with the CSX railroad, veteran of the United States Marine Corp, and member of the First United Methodist Church-Franklin, where he volunteered by delivering meals for the Meals on Wheels Program. He was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for eight years taking people to and from their chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Son of the late John and Lucy Leinart. Survived by wife, Diana Leinart; son, Thomas E. Leinart, Jr. of White Bluff, TN; brothers, James Leinart of Waco, TX, Raymond Leinart of Oceanside, CA, & William Leinart of McMinn County, TN. Services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with Dr. Lynn Hill officiating. Burial in Williamson Memorial Gardens with military honors. Pallbearers, James, Raymond and William Leinart, Thomas E. Leinart, Jr., Jay Leinart and Samuel Leinart. Honorary Pallbearer, Gene Weaver. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME. (615) 794-2289.


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Published by The Tennessean on Nov. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Diana Leinart

November 27, 2010

My wonderful Tom,

Today I put beautiful Christmas flowers on your grave. It is so difficult to believe that you have now been away for over a year. You were so missed on the last two Thanksgiving Days. The holidays were so special to you, and without you here, I find the holidays now to be so empty. I am doing fine, but I miss you so. I still cry a lot, as life is now so different. You know how I always wanted to be right beside you. I wouldn't even go to the store unless you would go with me. I miss your smile, holding your hand, and the warmth of just being near you. Your strength continues to amaze me. I have never known anyone like you, and I never will. Raymond and Barbara have been so good to me since you left. I love them for all they have done for both of us. Thinking back, I don't know what we would have done without them. I know what it meant to you to have Raymond here during the roughest times of our lives. Now, Raymond is facing a struggle of his own. I'm sure you know what is happening. Please watch over him when he joins you. One of the greatest things that's happened since you left us is our wonderful daughter in law, Eva. Yes, Tommy finally found the right girl. She is a blessing from God, and I love her so much. I know you would love her too. I regret so badly that you all never had the chance to meet. Eva has added new meaning to Tommy's life and mine too. I'm so grateful for her. Pretzel is just fine. As you would say, she is just being Pretzel, and that's a full time job. You are missed terribly. I will love you forever and ever. You are in my heart and in my soul, and the best husband anyone could ever hope to have. Love you Honey.

Barbara&Ray Leinart

November 26, 2010

My Dear Brother Tom,
It's been a while since you left us on the journey to a better place but you're always in our thoughts. We've missed you more than we can say. Our wonderful memories keep us smiling while at the same time, crying from not having you with us. You were always there when we needed you and we were honored to be there with you during your battle with cancer. You have left a huge hole in our hearts. We'll see you soon and make more memories.
Love,
Barbara and Ray

Diana Leinart

December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas to you, my wonderful husband. Of course today has not been complete without you here. I know you are celebrating the birth of Jesus in Heaven, and I'm sure it is a birthday party second to none. I am doing alright, but miss you so much. Pretzel is the best little buddy anyone could ever hope to have. But I know you know that better than I do. The hours you and she spent in the recliner, just being pals. I'm so grateful for her. Each day seems to be a little better. I've heard that time is the great healer, but somehow I don't expect there will ever be enough time for me to stop missing you, and I will never stop loving you. I am praying everyday for 2010 to be a better year for our family. Oh, how rough 2009 was for us all. I love you more everyday. Seems strange, but it is so true. I have some wonderful memories of the good life we shared, and it only enhances the love that I have always felt for you. You gave me a wonderful life, and I will never forget that. You changed me, showing me how love can make such a difference in one's life. I will always cherish you, and my love for you will continue to live in my heart until the day I die. No man on this earth can equal you. You were and always will be special, and those who were fortunate enough to know you, I'm sure will agree with what I am saying. Again, Merry Christmas my dear Tom. I love and miss you so.

Jared Leinart

December 21, 2009

After Dad died, I remember Uncle Tom making so many trips to help out Mom, Jay, and I. He was always there if we needed anything. I will also never forget the time we spent talking just prior to me deploying to Iraq. As a guy who always loved to make me laugh, I also admired that serious talk we had. His memory will live with me the rest of my life and, for that, I am most thankful.

Gene Weaver

December 17, 2009

I will always remember Tom as a kind and caring person, dedicated to his family and friends. He was a wonderful family man, with a kind word and supportive of others. His volunteer work was one example of the care and concern he had for people he didn't even know. Tom willingly spent many hours helping, transporting and seeing that many made doctors appointments, treatments and hospital visits, who otherwise couldn't have done so without his assistance.

I frequently travel south on I-75 and I never do so without thinking of Tom. Many, many years ago Tom and I were hunting along the railroad tracks in Boone and Grant Counties when we came upon the RR bridge crossing I-75. Nothing would do Tom, but to cross the interstate, by using the bridge. Like two fools we crossed the bridge and the interstate without incident, other than being scared to death form the height, no railings, only tracks and ties, and fear of a train coming along. No sooner than we crossed to the other side a train came flying by. Well when you cross the bridge going one way, that requires you cross it again going back. That was my first and last crossing on the RR bridge on I-75.

In final months, weeks and days of his life Tom suffered beyond words, but not once did he question, why me, or complain that he was stricken by such and dreaded disease. He reamined positive until the end.

In closing, Tom will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and an overall good guy.

Margaret Weaver

December 17, 2009

I will always remember Tom as kind, patient and totally devoted to Diana and Tommy. He faced his illness bravely and dealt with challenges courageously. He seemed to have a sense of peace that is so scare in our world, and I am better for having known him.

John Leinart

December 8, 2009

I have tried about 50 times now to express how much I cared for Tom in this guestbook, but I've come to realize that the bond between a young man and his uncles is nearly indescribable. Suffice to say that Tom helped shape into who I am today and I will always love him for it.

Ron Leinart

December 1, 2009

Uncle Tom,
I have been unable to find the right words, I love you and always will. You helped me become the man I am today and I can only hope that you were as proud of me as I have always been of you. Aunt Diane and Cousin Tom, please know that my prayers are with you both and God Bless you.
Tom is ok now, he is in a place that is always nice. Take comfort as you can knowing that.

Jim Stelling

November 23, 2009

Tom was an enthusiastic and dedicated Marine, a friend and good family man. He will be missed by all of us. His charactor and maturity should be a lesson for us all. God Bless You Diana.

Dave Miller

November 20, 2009

Tom, I never met you, but I heard a lot about you from your son Tom, who I worked with several years ago. I was a former Royal Marine in the UK and you served in our sister Marine Corp the USMC.Sadly your passing was on my birthday ( 70th )

Rest in peace... Aye

Semper Fi...Per Mare Per Terram

Diana Leinart

November 18, 2009

Tom,
Today is your 64th birthday. I know you are in heaven and I'm sure you will have a wonderful day there. I miss you so very much. This normally would be such a happy day. Now I find myself thinking back on all the wonderful memories I have of you. That in itself is a comfort. You are the most wonderful husband, father and friend anyone could ever hope for. You left us so young, but I'm sure GOD has reasons for this. I love you more with every passing day, and my life will go on, and you will be a part of each day for me. I think of you so often. My love for you will last forever. Happy Birthday Honey.

November 13, 2009

Diana, I feel blessed to have known Tom. He was such a warm, compassionate man with a great sense of humor. He showed such strength and determination during his terrible illness but never waivered in his faith. I read a quote that went something like "no matter how difficult each situation we face, GOD extends grace greater than the hardship and strength and peace of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before". Tom found that grace and now, Glory be to GOD, he is singing in heaven. All pain and suffering is past and he is reborn. I know that your life will be incomplete without him but, I also know that you are strong and will find a renewed purpose in life until you will be dancing with Tom again. I love you and pray for you and Tommy everyday.........
Leslie Corney (West Chester, Ohio)

Bill Leinart

November 11, 2009

When Tom and I were little we played together and often battled fearsome, imaginary monsters. Magically, we always won. He was my little brother so looking after and helping him was part of my growing up. As we grew older and went our separate ways he no longer needed my help and fought the battles of his life without me. When I learned that he was in a battle with a very real monster that would eventually take his life I wanted so much to help again. This time we had no magic. But I found that he had a strength that no monster could overcome. The grace and courage that he maintained to the very end was proof of a faith that gave him that strength. His battles are over, he will fear no more, he is now safe forever. Goodbye little brother.

Mary Beth Miller

November 10, 2009

Diana, I can only imagine what you must be feeling. I remember you always had a smile on your face when you talked about Tom. I didn't get a chance to meet him face to face, but knew by listening to you, he was a great and loving man, husband and father. My love to you and to Tommy.

Mary Joyce Leinart

November 7, 2009

You fought a courageous battle , Tom,but in the meantime you were concerned about me.You gave me so much strength and encouragement when you and Diana would call to check on me.Rest with God now, free from pain. You have earned it.You were a very dear brother-in-law.

Linda Taylor

November 4, 2009

Diana-I'm so sorry to hear about Tom. He was such a wonderful man. I think about you often. I hope that you find peace in the fact that he will be there for you again someday. I love you lady.

Jim & Elaine Leinart

November 3, 2009

Diana, The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26).

Tom has blessed and enriched many lives for many years and our memory of Him is sweet. Now is the time for your faith to increase as you look to God for your future.

Love,

Ray, Ang & Tre' Leinart

November 3, 2009

I know my Uncle Tom is preparing for another prank. He had such a wonderful sense of humor, and now he's playing again. The man had so much to give and will be sorrowfully missed. Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with you Aunt Diana and Cousin Tommy.

Cindy Leinart

November 3, 2009

No little girl could have ask for a better uncle. With his passing, I cry. But my memories of him make me laugh. I pray for you Diana, and Tommy to get thru this difficult time. God bless you both, and we know Tom will always be watching over you.

Tim Newcomb

November 3, 2009

It is not a good-bye, but an "Until we meet again."

Many thoughts and prayers to the entire Leinart family.

The Huschke Family

November 3, 2009

SEMPER FI! Big Tom fought a courageous battle and now the LORD has called a MARINE HOME to be with HIM! Our prayers, thoughts and love go out to TJ and Diana.

Johnny and Ronnie Pirkle

November 2, 2009

We, Johnny, Ronnie, and James Pirkle grew up across the street from David, Raymond, Billy, Jimmy, Tommy, and Sammy Leinart. We played softball, football, traceup, tag, capture the flag, war, cowboys and Indians, and many other games in the grassy acres of Toomey's pasture and green valley, which we considered our own private world. We swam in the creek and in the L&N Dam, and fought with homemade flips, bows and arrows, green persimmons, acorns, dirt clods, and yes, even cow patties when that's all we could find. I wouldn't trade my childhood with the Leinart boys for anything. God bless and comfort you all, and Semper Fi, Tom.

Denise Vestring

November 2, 2009

Diana-I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.

The Dirksens

November 2, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We continue to pray for Diana and Tommy that they will find peace and comfort in the many happy memories of Tom's life and love for them. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

Barbara Leinart

November 1, 2009

Tom will be missed more than words can say. He is my brother, my friend. He has been there when needed. He fought a great battle, never giving up until the very end. He is at peace. walking with the angels. He is so loved by all that knew him. We have a lifetime of wonderful memories, though it does not seem enough. We wanted more.
Diana, we love you and Tommy with all our heart.
With much love,
Barbara

Diana Leinart

November 1, 2009

Tom,

I have loved you since I met you in 1963. You have been the love of my life for over forty five years. What a wonderful life you have given me. I know you are with God now, and no longer in pain. I'm grateful for that, but oh how I miss you. I'll love you for the of my life. Rest in peace my dear husband.

Samuel Leinart

November 1, 2009

You will always be loved and remembered Uncle Tom. Oh Lord, how my Aunt is hurting. How much I want to push away the clouds of pain and make sunshine of the memories. How desperately I need to give assurance of life everlasting. Only you can do that, Lord! Please take away the hurt. Amen

Pam Fisk

November 1, 2009

Tom Leinart was like a brother to me, and a son to Virgiline and Leon House. He was always there for them, and they truly loved him. As my mother lie dying in February, she continued to ask about Tom's condition. I know he is with them now. A week or so ago, the last time we talked he told me he loved me, and I told him I loved him. I wish I could be there with Diana and Tommy, but I know they will need me more later on. Stay strong--Tom certainly was.

November 1, 2009

Brother Tom. Although you are my younger brother you have been, and always will be , an inspiration to me. I love you and I'll see you later.
Raymond

Jenny Thomas

November 1, 2009

All of my thoughts are with you at this time.

Pamela Ross

November 1, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the entire Leinart family. May you find peace and comfort in the cherished memories of a great and wonderful man,

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