F. Leonard Christy, 91, of Marietta, Ohio and Vero Beach, Florida, died March 11, 2010 in his Glenwood home.
He was born September 16, 1918, to Frank L. Christy, and Annie Powell Christy in Marietta. Leonard was a graduate of Marietta High School, and attended The Ohio State University in Columbus, where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. During college Leonard was appointed as a Page in the Ohio House of Representatives, 92nd General Assembly.
He was a Captain in the United States Air Force Transport Command in India during World War II, and was a life long member of American Legion Post 64.
Leonard was employed by Marietta Concrete Corporation in 1945, and later elected Director and President in 1955. In 1959 Marietta Concrete merged with American-Marietta, predecessor to Lockheed Martin Corporation. Leonard was President of Kris-Mar, Inc, a Marietta based development company from 1950-1990. He was one of the original organizers of First Colony Corporation and served on the Board of Directors of The National Silo Association.
His civic contributions included Director and President of The Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce. He was Director Emeritus of Marietta College after serving for 23 years on the Board of Trustees. He belonged to Marietta Rotary Club and was also appointed by Governor Rhodes to the Ohio Exposition Commission in 1962. He was a passionate supporter of The Ohio State University and the Buckeyes and a member of the OSU President's Club. He was also a proud member of the "Apostles" a luncheon group meeting weekly in the Harmar District. He was a member of both St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marietta, and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach.
In April, 1942, he married his childhood sweetheart Helen Gramlich. Together they had four children, three whom survive him: Frank L. (Mary Lou) Christy of Marietta and Vero Beach, Peggy C. (Bill) Rilling of Cincinnati, and Ted P. (Brenda) Christy of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, and his son, James M. Christy of Marietta. His two brothers, R. Neil Christy and Robert Christy also preceded him in death.
He is survived by eleven grandchildren, Jonathan Christy (Jen), Kathleen Christy White (Dax), Michael, Richard, Patrick, and Andrew Christy, Christy and T.J. Rilling, and Katie, Annie, and Hannah Christy. He is survived by a sister, Dottie Corrigan of Las Cruces, NM, a daughter in law, Jennifer Christy, of Marietta, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Liturgy, with Mass, will be celebrated Monday, March 15, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. John Michael Campbell officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 14, from 4 until 7 PM at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home, 408 Front St.. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery, with full military honors.. Donations in Leonard's memory may be made to The Marietta Community Foundation, Box 77, Marietta, Ohio 45750; The Marietta Health Foundation, 401 Matthew St., Marietta, OH 45750; Marietta College, 215 Fifth St., Marietta, OH; or St. Mary's Catholic Church, 506 Fourth St., Marietta, OH 45750.