Willis Leadingham, age 80, of Gallipolis, died Monday March 12, 2007 at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida. Born December 29, 1926 in Carter County, Kentucky, he was the son of the late James Madison Leadingham and the late Rosa Pennington Leadingham. Willis is also preceded by nine brothers and sisters.
He was a graduate of South Webster High School, class of 1945; he later graduated with a B.S degree in Education from Ohio University in 1951. From 1944 until 1946, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. After 4 years of teaching, he entered the business field, owning and operating an auto agency in Meigs County, after selling the agency he was the buyer and transportation supervisor for Stauffer Chemical Company in Gallipolis Ferry, WV. Leaving there, he entered the Real Estate field, founding Leadingham Real Estate Company in 1973.
He was a member of Morning Dawn Masonic Lodge #7 (where he received his 50 year membership award), the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus (32nd degree), Aladdin Temple Shrine and the Gallipolis Shrine Club, and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Willis has been and active member of the Lions Club, for over 50 years. First in Pomeroy, and later in Gallipolis, the Ohio Lions, and Lions International. Having been elected to the office of District Governor of District 13J in Ohio for the year 1960-1961. Serving on several Ohio State committees since 1961. Serving in several capacities in the Lions enabled him and his wife to travel extensively, not only across the United States, but Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Canada.
Willis also enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, traveling, and square dancing.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Marie Kegley Leadingham, who he married on June 28, 1947 in Greenup, KY.
Also surviving are, three daughters, Connie Cantrell, Bobbie (Jeff) Sheets, and Rose Marie Fujimoto. Grandsons, Aaron (Beth) Cantrell, Brian Cantrell, Jason (Jessica) Enoch, James Finnerty, and Jeffrey (Lindsi) Enoch and Casey Fujimoto. Great Grandchildren, Zacharie, Christiana, Natalie, Conner and Kai all of Columbus. Along with several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM. Saturday March 17, 2007 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood funeral home 810 2nd Ave. Gallipolis, with Rev. Arland King officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Hope at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5-8 PM.
Lions Memorial Services will be 7:30 PM. Friday at the funeral home followed by a Masonic Service at 8:00 PM.
Military funeral Honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail.
The Grandsons and Nephews will serve as Pallbearers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ronald Patrick, Roland Noe, Robert Thomas, Howard Lemon, and George Stumpf.
To send condolences, visit www.timeformemory.com/whw
