Jack W. Leininger, 68, a lifelong Union Township, Whitley County resident, died at 11:35 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, peacefully 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, Colorado. On July 14, 1968 he was united in marriage to Clara M. Lott. Following his separation from active duty on December 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, a member of Standard Bred Association and Ohio Trotting Association.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Clara; two children: Garna (Chad) Bradley; and Matt (Amy) Leininger, all of Columbia City; four grandchildren: MacKenzie Leininger; Morgan Leininger; David Ernst; and James Ernst; two great-grandchildren: Lacey Ernst; and Andrew Ernst; a brother: Clyde Leininger, Punta Gorda, Fla.; and a sister: Waneta Wood, Columbia City.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Keith G. and Berniece (Wood) Leininger; and Maxine (Leininger) Voight; and a sister: Helen Baxley.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery with military honors presented by Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.

Preferred memorials are to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.