Leonard Deal Kingsley, 95, died at 9:20 a.m., June 5, 2012, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton. He was born in LaGrange County, Indiana, to Ray S. and Mertie (Deal) Kingsley.
On Sept. 1, 1940, he married Velma K. Emmert and she survives.
Mr. Kingsley worked as an educator (teacher and school administrator) most of his life. He retired as superintendent of Penta-County Vocational High School, Rossford, Ohio, in 1987.
His career in education included teaching biology and Vocational Agriculture in Brighton, Indiana, and Berne-French Township High School, Indiana, and a three-year term establishing an agricultural school in Timor, Indonesia, under the auspices of Mennonite Central Committee.
Following retirement he served as Wood County Commissioner project coordinator, and engaged in several of his life-long interests.
He graduated from Kendallville High School, Indiana. He furthered his education at Purdue University, Ball State and the University of Toledo University, earning a doctoral degree in education. A licensed pilot, he often commuted to school by plane.
Other significant involvements included long-time membership in Rotary Club and service as an international visitor host. His avid international interest was expressed in regular reading of several daily newspapers and wide-ranging travel which included visits on six continents.
Along with his wife, Velma, he was a long-term member of Sylvania (Ohio) United Church of Christ. They are presently members of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton.
Survivors also include six sons., Phillip (Judith) Kingsley and Mitchell (Ann) Kingsley both of Bluffton; Keith (Gretchen) Kingsley and Karl (Karen) Kingsley both of Elkhart, Ind.; Matthew Kingsley of Lone Pine, Calif. and Frederick (Craig) Kingsley of Pewaukee, Wisc.; two daughters Sue Ellen (Terry Kinzel) Kingsley of Hancock, Mich., Jane Steinmetz of Bluffton.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Thola North; brother, Leon Kingsley; and two sons-in-law Mark Steinmetz and Marc Troyer.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday June 9, at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Rev. Steven Yoder officiating. A private family burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton University or First Mennonite Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
