Loren 'Lee' Leonberger

Loren "Lee" Leonberger, 79, of Vermilion, died Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a lengthy illness. Loren was born February 2, 1935 in Canalou, MO, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 41years moving from Oxon Hill, MD He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during 1954-1974 and retiring in 1974. Loren later worked for the Morning Journal as the editorial page editor for 18 years retiring in 1992. He was a member of First Baptist Church, of Vermilion, and taught adult Bible study for 8 years. Loren was also a member of the Lorain Rotary and the Gideon Club. He was an avid reader during his free time and enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, traveling, and attending his annual high school reunion in Parma, MO. He is survived by his son, Vincent (Roberta) Leonberger of Chantilly, VA, son, Timothy Scott Leonberger of Delaware, OH; and grandchildren, Katherine, Michael, and Jonathan Leonberger. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann (nee Garner), in 2008; parents, William and Ruth (nee Blankinship) Leonberger; and sister, Billie Dee Freeman. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014 from 2-4 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion OH, where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors at 4 pm. Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 22, 2014 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church, 6716 West River Rd., Vermilion. The Reverend Nile Hill will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1893, Memphis, TN 38101-9950 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.