Leon Egbert Winget

Leon was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, the only son of Leon E. Winget, Sr. and Elnora Johana (Feikert) Winget on July 13, 1933. In his early years, Leon worked the family farm located in the Scioto River Valley. He was proud of his middle name, Egbert. Egbert means “bright edge” as the edge of a blade. His sharp mind and wit reflected his name. He remembered his father telling him stories of Egbert of Wessex who was the first King of all England (802-837 AD). Leon was an “A” student, graduating from Chillicothe High School with Honors, Class of 1951. Leaving the family farm, Leon pursued engineering studies at The Ohio State University (OSU).

In 1953 he married, Joanne Marlyn (Stauffer) Winget. They lived off-campus on 5th Avenue, Columbus, OH. For their first anniversary, their first child, Cynthia, was born. After graduating with his Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Leon moved his wife and daughter to Ft. Worth, Texas, where he was employed by Convair Division, General Dynamics (1955 – 1959). Leon supported the design and breakthrough of jet engine propulsion as a Lead Propulsion Engineer. While in Texas, their second daughter, Christina (Chris), was born. Granted a Fellowship from Convair, Leon and family returned to Columbus, OH, where he entered OSU to gain his Master of Science while working as a Research Assistant at the OSU Experiment Station (1960-1962).

Mr. Winget was then employed by North American Rockwell Corporation (1961-69). He continued working in the aerospace/propulsion industry as a Research Engineer, supporting the B-1B Bomber and the Saturn V Rocket Engine (Apollo Space Program). Again, Mr. Winget was granted a Fellowship and returned to OSU where he earned his Doctorate. While at OSU, Leon taught in the engineering department. As an OSU staffer, Leon had access to 50-yardline football tickets, proudly sitting behind the “Scarlet and Gray” coached by Woody Hayes. He enjoyed football and was a staunch, OSU Alumnus! Go Buckeyes!

Leaving OSU, Leon began his extensive career (30+ years) with The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) as a Senior Engineer and Power Siting Coordinator. He was a respected authority in sustainable and alternate forms of energy. Leon promoted sound energy policies providing increased energy capacity and infrastructure for the people of Ohio while actively protecting the Ohio environment and land use. In 1976, Mr. Winget, Chief of Energy Usage, was selected as a member of a US Delegation for International Relations with China. Leon traveled through China exchanging ideas and information on advanced mining techniques and efficient, clean use of coal and other energy sources with the Chinese government and industry. This effort was a forerunner of the Clean Coal Industry Forum between the U.S.- China energy cooperation. In 1978, Leon was the Director of Ohio Solar and in 1980 became the Chief of Coal R&D. In 1984, Leon became a Lead Investigator for the PUCO Power Siting Board, later serving exclusively on the Power Siting Board. Leon retired in 2009.

Mr. Winget was significantly active in several professional societies holding various positions and offices in each one: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (1956-2014), Vice Chairman 1978; Columbus Solar Society, (1976-1980), President 1979-1980; Ohio Society of Mining Engineers (1978-2014), Member Board of Directors 1998-2014; American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Condition Engineers – Life Member, and American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (1956-1990).

The most notable and attended society was the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), Franklin County Chapter (FCC) (1985-2019). At the county Chapter, Leon served several terms as President and Vice President and at the state level as OSPE Director achieving the following awards: OSPE – Meritorious Award – 2003; Engineers

Foundation of Ohio (EFO) - President’s Award – 2005; OSPE - Citation Award – 2009.

Leon’s long and prestigious career, culminated in the highest national honor, Fellow, National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) (2014). The society’s first fundamental canon is "Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public." Leon upheld this canon in his professional and private life. Fellows are recognized for their long-term, licensed, professional service at the chapter, state and national levels of NSPE. Leon’s service was exemplarily demonstrated to the NSPE Board of Directors.

Mr. Winget, with professionalism and experience, became a mentor to others. As a member of OSPE, Leon served on the MATHCOUNTS Committee (1993-2004 and eventually assumed the position of Chair and Coordinator (2004-2014). MATHCOUNTS provides engaging math programs to US middle school students of all ability levels to build confidence and improve attitudes about math and problem solving. He delighted in preparing students for competition. Leon was an avid problem-solver, especially when it came to his morning crossword and sudoku puzzles.

Researching was a favorite past-time for Leon. As an advocate for preserving the environment, Leon made several excursions into the Ohio countryside to observe and protect the health and population of snakes, bats and freshwater mussels. He toured the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal, traveling and documenting the canal from beginning to end with friends. He co-owned a boat, researching the renovation he hoped to accomplish; the boat never saw water other than rain. Leon loved to work with his hands repairing and building furniture for his wife and daughters. Leon took care of all the home repairs. He had the opportunity to help design and build a barn for his daughter, Chris, at Troubadour Farms, Marysville. By recycling telephone poles, he erected the barn’s basic structure and frame. He was proud of that barn!

For sporting hobbies, Leon played Bridge throughout his life and tennis in his younger years. Joanne was often his partner in these pastimes. Leon gained the reputation of “Bridge Assassin”, a husband and wife duo who awesomely competed in the game. Joanne was the better tennis player. Later, while Joanne continued to play tennis, Leon watched the sport on television. The couple attended many tennis tournaments while vacationing.

Leon Winget is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne Marlyn (Stauffer) Winget (Chillicothe) and two daughters, Cynthia Winget Reichardt (John) (Alexandria, VA) and Christina Jo Winget (Fergus Hutchinson) (Marysville, OH). Leon, an alumnus of The Ohio State University (Mechanical Engineering - BME, MSc, and Ph.D.), was proud of his three grandchildren, supporting them in seeking higher education: Gráinne and Dermot Hutchinson (The Ohio State University) and Arianna Reichardt (Wingate University, NC). He is also survived by a sister, Bonnie Winget Bennett (Greenfield, IN). Leon was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Joanna Haskins, Barbara Winget and Kathryn Winget.

A Memorial Service will be held in Leon’s honor on July 6, 2019, 6:00 PM, at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Nationwide Children's Foundation,

525 E Mound St., Columbus, OH 43215, (614) 355-5429. The family of Leon Winget wishes to thank the Riverside Methodist Hospital for their assistance and support. Leon will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Leon Winget was a living example of the biblical adage: “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21.

We miss you and will see you again!