ELKHART -- Richard V. "Dick" Leininger, 84, of Elkhart, died at 9:40 a.m. Monday (June 21, 2010) in his home after an extended illness.

He was born April 26, 1926, in Mishawaka to the late Earl and Margaret (Graff) Leininger. He married Sherill J. "Sherry" Allen on Oct. 21, 1963, in Elkhart.

Surviving are his wife, Sherry J. Leininger of Elkhart; sons Tony C. (Shelia) Leininger of Edwardsburg, Mich., Bruce Scott of California and Brian (Lima) Scott of Washington; daughter Tonya H. Leininger and Kelly Walterhouse of Bristol; three grandchildren, Brittany (Adam) Huffman, Tanner Leininger and Steffan Leininger and Kayla Ferguson; three great-grandchildren, Jayne Leininger, Loucille Huffman and Spencer Leininger; and four brothers, Adolf (Lodella) Leininger and Francis Leininger, both of Wakarusa, William (Elenora) Leininger of Mishawaka and Robert (Sue) Leininger of Lakeville.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, brother Macklyn Leininger and sister-in-law Jo Leininger.

Richard, or "Dick" to his family and friends, was a United States postal worker for 35 years in Mishawaka, retiring in 1981. He was a stringed instrument instructor for more than 50 years, teaching at Kunkles in Mishawaka and Witmer-McNease and Blessings in Elkhart. He played guitar for 72 years. He was the leader of his own band, "Velva-Tones," which played in the Michiana area for more than 50 years. Dick was a 1944 graduate of Clay High School and went into the United States Army from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and recently played with the church praise band, "Looking Up."

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today (June 22, 2010) at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and also for one hour prior to Wednesday's 11 a.m. service at Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg, Mich. Pastor Jeff Reese of Hope United Methodist Church will officiate. Military honors will be rendered following the service at the church. Cremation will follow the services, with burial at a later date at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Road, Edwardsburg, Mich.