from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Jack W. Leininger, 68, a lifelong Union Township, Whitley County (Indiana) resident, died Oct. 25, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 8, 1946, in Whitley County. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School.

On July 7, 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colo. On July 14, 1968, he was united in marriage to Clara M. Lott. Following his separation from active duty on Dec. 9, 1969, they returned to the family farm in Union Township. He was honorably discharged March 1, 1972.

In addition to farming, he was employed by General Electric and retired in 2001 from J.O. Mory.

He was a 10 year Union Sod Busters 4-H Club, Indiana Standardbred Association and USTA member.

He is survived by his wife, Clara; children, Garna (Chad) Bradley and Matt (Amy); grandchildren, MacKenzie, Morgan, David Ernst and James Ernst; great-grandchildren, Lacey Ernst and Andrew Ernst; brother, Clyde; and sister, Waneta Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith G. and Berniece (Wood) Leininger and Maxine (Leininger) Voight; and a sister, Helen Baxley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Home Health & Hospice.