The Rev. Grover T. Leonberger

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Rev. Grover T. Leonberger, 71, longtime resident of the Saline Mines community near Shawneetown, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at home surrounded by his family.

Grover was born in the Saline Mines area on Dec. 3, 1936, to the late Allen Leonberger and Virgie (Thorn). He was married first to Thelma (Capeheart) who preceded him in death. On Feb. 20, 1987, he married Virginia "Ginny" (Smith); she survives.

Grover worked many years as a brick and block mason before retiring. He was called to the ministry about 35 years ago and has been very faithful to the people of our area. He spent most of his years as a minister at the Ohio Valley General Baptist Church where he was a member.

He loved the outdoors, farming, raising animals, growing gardens and helping people.

He was a good husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed by our community.

Survivors are his wife, Ginny Leonberger of Shawneetown; two sons, Tom (Chris) Leonberger of Shawneetown and Daniel (Michelle) Leonberger of Shawneetown; a daughter, Meshea (Darren) Crysup of Paducah, Ky.; two brothers, Edward A. "Bubby" Leonberger of Elizabethtown and Billy (Tootie) Leonberger of Florida; three sisters, Ada Hollobaugh, Shirley (Leroy) Capeheart and Shelby (Galen) Lamb, all of Shawneetown; six grandchildren, Travis, Dakota, Logan and Cheyenne Leonberger and Patrick and Michael Thomas; and a great-grandchild, Raynah Leonberger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; and sister, Patsy Heffington.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008, at Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown. Funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at the funeral home. The Rev. Harold Ewell will officiate. Interment will be in Hogan Cemetery, Shawneetown.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com.