Richard Owen (Dick) Leininger

Dick is survived by his wife Marylin of nearly 64 years and their five children and their spouses: Chuck & Terry (Leininger) Degenhardt of San Diego; Richard & Paige Leininger of Seattle; Steve & Cindy Leininger of Houston; Ron & Lisa Leininger of San Antonio; Ray & Cindy (Leininger) Gould of Atascadero, CA. He left behind 17 amazing grandchildren: Nicole, Crystal, Mathew, Michael, Randy, David, Liz, Jason, Morgan, Lisa, Nikki, Alison, Nick, Alexandra, Candace, Jenna and eleven great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Athena, Dylan, Jaden, Cameron, Anthony, Zachary, Charlotte, Austin, Callie, Nixon, & another great-grandson due in April. Dick was preceded in death by one son, Donald Mark, his granddaughter Bekah, and great-grandson Moises.

Dick spent his earliest years on a Fresno-area chicken and peach farm where he developed his mechanical and agricultural skills. His family moved to Watsonville, California where Dick played high school football, excelled academically, and graduated from Watsonville High School in 1951. Dick honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955 as an aircraft mechanic with assignments at Lackland Air Force Base, and the 60th Fighter Wing at Westover Air Force Base near Springfield, Massachusetts. Upon discharge, he and his Fort Worth bride eventually settled in the farming community of Greenfield, California about 1956. Dick was the Farm Manager for Soilserve, a subsidiary of Union Carbide for almost 20 years. He then faithfully served the Soledad Unified School District for 10 years as their Facilities and Transportation Manager, until 1997, at which time they retired to Glendale, Arizona. Eight months ago they moved to San Antonio, Texas, Marylin's home state.

Dick was a stalwart community member and highly respected citizen and neighbor. He coached Little League baseball, and was a member of the American Legion. His mechanical abilities were amazing as he repaired and painted cars for his kids. He attended all of his kids' athletic games, and school events, despite long hours at work. He and Marylin explored the world with their kids as they loved travel. Dick was an immensely devoted husband and father. A man of few words, Dick was a manly man of great moral character.

Marylin asks that for those who so desire, in lieu of flowers, may make a loving donation in Dick's memory to the missions efforts of Gary Wilkerson Ministries (www.worldchallenge.org). Marylin expresses her love and appreciation to each one who has been a special part of Dick's long and full life.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

SERVICE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

12:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.