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Thomas Leightenheimer Obituary

CEDARVILLE Thomas E. Leightenheimer, age 68, of Cedarville, Ohio passed away September 30, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his family. Tom was born 16 June, 1944 ten days after D-Day.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Katie (Willis) Leightenheimer; children Kimberly (Charles) Testas of Trenton, Ohio; Thomas (Yvette) Leightenheimer of Leander, Texas; George (Teneisha) Leightenheimer, Sr. of Xenia, Ohio. Grandchildren: Andrew, David, Jonathan, and Ella Testas of Trenton, Ohio; Nathan, Alysia, Sydney, and Josef Leightenheimer of Leander, Texas; and George Leightenheimer, Jr. of Xenia, Ohio.

Tom is also survived by his mother, Virginia; brothers William (Barb) Leightenheimer; Alan (Mary) Leightenheimer; James (Beth) Leightenheimer and Ralph Moore. Tom was preceded in death by his father, William Leightenheimer.

Tom retired after 29 years of service with the United States Air Force. He was also employed for 14 years by Cedarville University.

Tom was a friend to all and beloved by many. His first love was his family and friends. He also devoted countless hours to the preservation of the Boy Scout Camp Oyo and founded the Camp Oyo Staff and Alumni Association.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 10a.m. - 12 p.m. with a celebration of Tom's life beginning at 12 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, Cedarville. Tom's son, Tom Leightenheimer and son-in-law, Chuck Testas will be officiating. Burial will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 1 p.m. at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Oyo Staff and Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1746, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662. Arrangements in care of INGLING WILLIAMS & LEWIS FUNERAL HOME -Cedarville. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.jacksonlytle.com.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Xenia Daily Gazette on Oct. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Leightenheimer

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Daniel Gereg

October 8, 2012

For the man who taught and patiently waited on me to memorize the Scout Law, Tom was one of the most kind hearted men I have ever known. He will be missed dearly, and I am a better man for just knowing him.

October 8, 2012

Our condolences to Kim and her family. Mike and Elaine Warden (Holly Wardens parents).

Doug & Kathy Hall

October 6, 2012

Doug & I will miss his favorite cousin & the love shared by Tom at the many Carmen Reunions. We only wish we had known sooner so we could have come down to share in the Celebration of Tom's life.

Lisa Wear Suckow

October 5, 2012

Hugs and prayers to the LEightenheimer family.. our time in Ga will never be forgotten and all the stories my dad has of our dads growing up in Ohio.. Love ya'll !

Brandon Maxie

October 5, 2012

First I would like to offer my condolences to the Leightenheimer family. Tom played a huge part in my life and I am very thankful to of known him. He was instrumental in me getting my job that I have now, being a crew chief on the C-17 aircraft. His stories of traveling the world and the fun and enjoyment he had working on aircraft, inspired me to pursue the job i have now. He was a good man who always had a smile and a kind word for someone passing by. I was very lucky to have known him and will miss him.

Karlo Rufo

October 5, 2012

Mr. Leightenheimer was one of the most gentle souls I've ever encountered. His grace and courage in the face of trial will always inspire me. My heart breaks for your loss. My condolences to all of you, and I will keep your family in my prayers.

Amy Womack

October 3, 2012

Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. We will all see him again in Heaven! Thanking God for his life and impact on those around him.

Wayne Maxie

October 3, 2012

What is there to say that hasn't already been said about out friend and brother Tom! He was very special to me and my family especially Brandon! He was very instrumental in helping Brandon choose a career field in the Air Force! He cared about people,his country,Katie,family and Ralph! I will miss him more than I can describe!I feel like I'm a better person for having known and been a friend of Tom. Off we go into the wild blue yonder flying high into the sky! We will miss you! Wayne and Patricia Maxie

Tina Wagner

October 3, 2012

Tom was a special part of Cedarville Nazarene for many years. The family has been on our prayer list and we will keep them in our hearts.

Virgil, Ginnie, & Karen Ferguson

October 2, 2012

Sorry to hear of you loss of Tom. He was to young. We enjoyed his smile, he always had one.

We enjoyed the company of both of you when our sons were in the service.

We are praying for you Katie and your family.

Rebecca Seiter-Shelek

October 2, 2012

I am thinking and praying for you all. So many happy memories of him. I was privileged to know a great man.

Denny Seifried

October 1, 2012

I only knew Tom from talking about "airplanes" with him, down at Beans & Cream. I always looked forward to him coming in and sharing his vast knowledge about military aircraft, especially those old, radial engines he had worked on, during his career in the USAF! He always had some great stories and experiences to share with us. All of us down at Beans & Cream will miss him. My condolences to his wife and family members.

May he rest-in-peace.

Ariel Hague

October 1, 2012

We will miss Tom. We will miss his jokes, laughter, and pleasant talks about history. He has touch a lot of lives. We will pray for family and friends who are going through this great loss.

james boak

October 1, 2012

Tom you will be missed. loved your sense of humor.

Jim Pack

October 1, 2012

Tom was a longtime friend and I am deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace.

Denny Lowstetter

October 1, 2012

I am very sad that Tom has passed. He was such a pleasure to me as a coworker and friend. One of the true good guys I knew. Thankful the pain is over and Tom has a glorified body today. Continuing to pray for you, his family as you grieve.

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