Cloudy, 48° F
(Jan. 13, 2006)
Captain Bob "Pop Pop" Leuschner died Friday, Jan. 13 after a brief illness.
He was the only child born to Ernest and Caroline (Winnipennix) on April 9, 1922 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He joined the Navy in June, 1940 and served on the USS New York. He was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in August of 1942, graduating in 1945. He served on the USS South Dakota and was present at Tokyo Bay for the Armistice. He also attended M.I.T. for post graduate schooling.
On March 27, 1947, he married his best friend and partner for life, Marion Harleen Gilbreath. To this union were born three children, Robert (Cheryl), Linda Cross (fiancée Clark Wilcox) and Karl (Theresa).
Pop Pop traveled the world enjoying all aspects. He loved people, especially children and dogs. He was a kind and giving man.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Alex, and Zach Leuschner, Jesseca Cross, Michele (Joel) Johnson, Paula Cross and Eric, Russell and Rose Leuschner, and by his great-grandchildren, Dominik and Averee Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1996.
He was a husband, father, and gentleman every minute of his life.
In his memory, he would want you to make a difference in a child's life, support the Powell Animal Shelter and the Powell Library.
And always recycle.
A celebration of Pop Pop's life will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. at Southside Elementary School. All he touched are invited to join in.
