M. Donald Leming

1932 - 2011

M. Donald Leming, 79, Lafayette, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family at 11:05 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011.
He was born Feb. 6, 1932 in Polo, Mo. to the late Manford Craft and Winifred (Walker) Leming. His marriage was to Evelyn Louise North on Nov. 15, 1952. She survives.
Mr. Leming was a 1951 graduate of Brookston High School. He was employed 32 years at Kirby Risk Distribution Co., where he was Vice-President. In 1983, he and a partner, David Zimmerman, started a wholesale business known as L&Z Supply selling plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and well supplies to the contractor trade. In 1990, upon his partner's retirement, the Lemings assumed ownership of the supply company and renamed it Leming Supply Inc. The company has grown to have locations in Lafayette, Crawfordsville and Frankfort and a separate division known as Creative Bath and Kitchens in Lafayette. A key reason for the 28 years of success was the focus on customer service. Don appreciated the dedication and commitment shown by his employees and his friendships with them as well as his customers.
Mr. Leming served four years as secretary of the Lafayette Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, and was also a member of the Board of Directors of Air One Marketing.
Don held a commission as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, having spent 22 years in the Indiana National Guard and Reserves. He was a member of the Reserve Officers' Association, American Legion Post 492, and the Forty and 8 Chateau #364, where in 2009, he was awarded the Indiana Meritorious Award.
He was a longtime member of the Federated Church of Brookston where he served as Cub Master, Sunday school teacher and member of their Board of Directors. He was an avid Purdue football and basketball fan and was a member of the John Purdue Club and Purdue President's Council.
Mr. and Mrs. Leming took several vacations, including trips to Europe, Scotland, England, Alaska and Mexico.
Don had many friendships but a special relationship with his golfing buddies at the Edwood Glen Golf Course.
Surviving with his wife are four children; Dr. Linda (Dr. Raymond Thompson) Thompson, Portage, Mich., David L. (Maureen) Vernon Hills, Ill., Kenneth A. (Brook) Leming, and Richard D. (Shannon) Leming, Lafayette; seven brothers, Keith (Juanita), Havana, Ill., Joe (Hella) Leming, Mesa, Ariz., Leonard (Reba) Leming and Jason (Kara) Leming, both of Marble Falls, Texas, Jim (Carolyn) Leming, Dover, Pa., Denny (Karla) Leming, Edgewater, Fla., Steve (Eva) Leming, Clarkston, Mich.; and three sisters, Loretta (Kenny) Widmer and Lucy (Jim) Jones, both of Marble Falls, Texas, and Judy Leming, Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Delmar and Bob Leming.
Friends may call from 3-8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Federated Church of Brookston. Service will be held there at 11 a.m., Thursday, with the Rev. Dr. Lelan McReynolds officiating. Interment will follow the service at the Brookston I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Don's grandchildren, Claire, Kelly, Meggan, Nathan, Jordan, Jaime, Gilian, Trevor and Tanner, and his five great-grandchildren were truly one of the great joys in his life. He took great pride in their accomplishments.
Don and Evelyn cherished spending time taking trips with them individually and Don diligently planned each trip to ensure the time spent with his grandchildren was special.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Riley Children's Hospital.
See: www.clapperfuneralservices.com
To view the online guestbook, visit www.newsbug.info.