Donald D. Legler

Donald D. Legler, 91, of Fort Wayne, passed away at 9:20am Sunday, December 26, 2021 at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne. Don was born in Windsor, Colorado to the late David and Eva (Stahl) Legler on January 12, 1930. As the son of immigrants, Don and his family were taught the importance of hard work, dedication, resourcefulness, and self-sufficiency. Lessons that were reflected in every facet of his life. Mr. Legler honorably served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Midway, where he also served as the ship’s photographer, capturing many of the ship’s joys and disasters. His photography and historical documentation of his time in service are treasured by his family and express his great love of life and indominable spirit. He married Georgia Brown, his “living treasure chest of creative knowledge,” on April 17, 1953 in Lafayette, Indiana shortly after they met at Purdue University. Throughout their 68-year marriage they endlessly pursued creative and inventive endeavors while raising two children and one grandchild. At the end of the day, those who knew him well, would find him with his classic martini or glass of champagne and strawberries to be shared with anyone nearby. Don loved working in the yard and family and friends will forever cherish the memories and the gatherings at their home near the banks of the St. Joe River. Don’s earliest job, before and after leaving Purdue, was at the Legler Truck Stop in Remington, Indiana where he worked with his father and his brother Floyd. For most of his career to follow, Don worked at the Sun Electric Corporation where he was instrumental in engineering many of the Sun Auto Testers and was a sales manager. He also worked in the pits at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in “Gasoline Alley”, the Indy garage. Don was a Congressional adviser on emissions during the 1970’s and later taught automotive engineering at Ivy Technical College in Fort Wayne until he “retired” at age 82. Never idle, and with a great mind for alternative energy and exploring new technologies, Don could often be found tinkering in his garage while listening to classical music, caring for his beloved property, and still splitting firewood to heat his home well into his eighties. In addition to his love of photography, fast cars, and a good martini, Don was a lifelong learner. He loved to read, especially his Bible and anything pertaining to automotive engineering, physics and health. He was a member of the Free Masons in Remington, Indiana and a former member of the American Legion. He was a proud lifelong member of the NRA, a champion stock car racer and a bit of a legend at the Avilla Motor Speedway. As an early adaptor of all things “tech” he will be lovingly remembered by family and friends for his short, daily FaceTime calls. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Legler; daughter, Cynthia (Michael Glavich); granddaughter Marybeth Legler, whom he raised; brother, Floyd (Martha) Legler; granddaughters Elly, Sarah and Michelle; grandson Pete, five great-granddaughters; and four great-grandsons. Preceding Donald in death was a son, David J. Legler; brother, Dale Legler; and sisters, Linda Gretencord and Vera Sutter. A memorial service celebrating Donald Legler’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The family invites all to join them at 1 PM to share stories and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with services being held at 2:00 PM at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 Saint Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. Memorials may be directed to Disabled American Veterans- Fort Wayne. Share a fond memory or condolence at www.hockemeyermillerfh.com.