GRANDPA LEMING

(by Claire Plantenga)

Just a few weeks after our arrival in San Antonio, my Grandpa Leming passed away and we returned to Indiana to be with my Grandma and the rest of my extended family. He was someone that I consider to be a true self-made man who was part of a great generation within American history. The achievements and distinctions worthy of this description are reflected in his obituary. 

However, as his granddaughter, I can tell you that during my childhood I did not understand enough to appreciate any of his achievements or honors. To me, he was just my Grandpa and I loved spending time with him. He was a great storyteller, and I always liked it when he would tell me stories about growing up in the 1930's and 1940's. I believe I learned a lot of lessons not just about American history, but about important lessons for life in general. 

While he was growing up, his family didn't have a lot of material possessions. He was not raised with perspective that he was "entitled" to anything. Instead, he worked hard and learned through experience. He had mentors that he respected and he grew through their guidance. I remember that he talked about learning the value of a dollar while working at a restaurant with a boss who emphasized to him the importance of carefully calculating exact change and treating the customer with respect. Later in life, he would apply these same basic principles of business in a way that would lead to great success.

Now that I am an adult, I have a new admiration for the way that he devoted his life to work and service. He dedicated himself to providing for my Grandma and their four kids (including my mom) through working at a locally-owned business for 32 years, where his value of hard work helped him to earn the position of Vice-President. Meanwhile, he also served his state and country for 22 years in the Indiana National Guard and held a commission as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. After my mom and uncles were grown and gone from the house, most people would have considered retirement from so many years of work, but instead, my Grandpa and Grandma decided to join with partners to open a wholesale business, with a vision of providing quality products and excellent customer service. I was only 3 years old when they opened the doors for the first customers. I have vivid memories throughout my childhood of how exciting it was to visit my grandparents at the store. Now, 28 years later, they have three locations, and the business continues to thrive under the guidance of my uncles.

As a kid, he was my Grandpa, but as an adult, he became my Grandpa plus a role model. The book of Proverbs says the following:

“My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:1-6 NLT)

I believe that my Grandpa was a person who went through hardships, but also received abundant blessings from God, and he lived many years with a satisfying life of a good reputation.  


May God help me to remember the life of my Grandpa by following the wisdom of these verses from Proverbs, in the hopes that I, too, will someday be able to look back on my life and find satisfaction from a life well-lived, full of kindness and loyalty, favor with God and with people in my community, a good reputation, a heart that trusted in God instead of my own limited understanding, and a life in which I sought God's guidance in everything.

I'll miss you, Grandpa Leming!