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Richard Leesman
[April 09, 2012]
LINCOLN --
Richard Allen Leesman, 86, of Lincoln, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at 6:35 p.m.
at Maple Ridge Care Centre.
(Below is a copy of
the obituary from the funeral home.)
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Lincoln-Richard Allen Leesman, 86, passed away on
April 3, 2012 at 6:35 p.m. at Maple Ridge Care
Centre.
He was born August 14, 1925 in Harmon, IL, the
youngest of three sons of Benjamin and Abigail Iles
Leesman. He attended Hartsburg High School.
Richard was a Marine veteran of WWII, stationed in
Guam. While building an air strip, his Caterpillar
road grader hit a land mine and he was severely
injured. After many months of recuperation, he was
given a medical discharge and returned to Lincoln
accompanied on the plane, then a train, by a male
nurse.
Richard was a life member of many military
organizations: American Legion
Post #263; VFW Post #1756; Disabled American
Veterans Post #95; 40 and 8
Voiture Post #985; Marine Corps League; AMVETS of
WWII, Korea; Vietnam Post #71.
He held many offices, Post Commander of most,
devoting his life to the service of his fellow
veterans. Until his health prevented him from
attending, he always volunteered and often organized
the color guard for so many funerals.
He was very proud to be a Marine.
During his lifetime he sold Woodman Insurance,
owned and operated
three taverns/restaurants (7 Mile Corner and two
locations of Dick's Place), sold
cars for Aue Buick, and a bartender at the Harris
Gold Mine.
He was married to Carolyn Noling from Moweaqua from
1948-1967 and they had two children: Douglas Richard
Leesman of rural Emden and Kathryn
Rebecca Webb, formerly from Carbondale, now of Mt.
Pulaski.
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His long time companion of over 30 years, Iva
Brelsford, died as a result of
an auto accident in December 1996.
Richard was an avid horseman, winning many show
ribbons. He owned, sold and traded any and all items
needed in the horse business. He led the horses to
the post at the Logan County Fair for many years and
was head time keeper at
the horse races from 1967-2006.
He also was a member of the Belgian Draft House
Corporation of America. He rode in surrounding area
parades, either with his horses or on the 40 and 8
fire truck. His memberships also included the
National Rifleman Association, Ducks Unlimited,
Quails Unlimited, and the
Humane Society.
Surviving are his two children; granddaughter,
Stephanie Ann Leesman and her two children Austin and
Allison, and his first wife, Carolyn R. Sams of Mt.
Pulaski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Brother
Robert, Brother Edward and companion Iva.
Richard was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church and
of the Knights of Columbus #1250.
In August 2007 after heart surgery he moved to St. Clara's Manor, Lincoln,
then in February 2008 to Maple Ridge Care Centre, Lincoln,
where he resided
until his death.
The family is forever grateful to the staff of Maple Ridge,
especially Michelle Eyrse, for their years of care given to
our Dad.
Services are at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, at
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader
Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Rev. Glenn Fontana presiding.
Interment is at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lincoln with full
military rites accorded by American Legion Post #263 of
Lincoln.
Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at
the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the family or the donor's choice. |
