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Leonard K. Hiteshew, 73, of Merritt Island, FL passed away April 12, 2017 after a year long brave battle with Mesothelioma.
He was born in Norfolk, VA, October 10, 1943. He grew up in Oceana and Virginia Beach, VA, graduating from Princess Anne High School and Old Dominion University with a B.S. in Computer Science.
Leonard retired as a Major in the U.S. Army. He served in the Vietnam War, 1969-1970, flying AH-1 Cobra Gunships. He proudly served our country and was a life long supporter of the military.
He retired as a design software engineer with Lockheed Martin in 2012. Before transferring to Orlando, he was employed by Link Flight Simulation in Kirkwood, NY. His career in designing military flight simulators for the US also took him to Canada, Australia, and Egypt.
Leonard was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Merritt Island, FL. Going through the ranks of scouting, Leonard became an Eagle Scout and for the past five years he was honored to serve as a member of the Challenger District Eagle Scout Boards of Review. In doing so he provided service to many young men in Brevard County during their final review for Eagle Scout.
Leonard enjoyed traveling, boating, and anything with four wheels. With career demands he especially enjoyed those times he could spend with his family, and being a devoted and active 'Gampy' was the joy of his life.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Cheryl, a daughter Ann K. Hiteshew-Waldmann, a son Todd L. Hiteshew (Kerry), and grandchildren Connor, Evan, and Ava Hiteshew, a brother Warren Hiteshew, a twin sister Margaret Adams (Bob) and extended family, and the family rescue cat, "Maddie."
We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Wuesthoff Medical Center, Rockledge, Dr. Palermo and staff of the Cancer Care Center of Brevard, Rockledge, Solaris Rehab Center, Merritt Island and Vitas Hospice Care.
A visitation will be held Saturday, May 20th, 2017 from 11:00 to 11:30 am at Faith Presbyterian Church, 1900 S. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island, FL 32952. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 am. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (www.curemeso.org) on the Leonard K. Hiteshew Tribute Wall, or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (heroes.vfw.org) or a charity close to your heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wylie-Baxley Merritt Island Funeral Home.
December 19, 2017
David Yacaginsky
My deepest sympathies to Len's family,
At Link, I was fortunate enough to work/win a large bid with Len. He was unbelievably patient and kind as a mentor; allowing me opportunity to grow and shine whilst also adding in his vast company knowledge. I will always be grateful to him and will pray for his soul.
Most Sincerely,
David
May 17, 2017
Ann Sutton
Cheryl, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. With all of us so far apart and some still working, it is hard tocome up with a date and place for a reunion but we should give it a try. With sympathy to you all. Ann
April 27, 2017
Brenda Crooker
Dear Cheryl,
Praying that all of your precious memories will help to bring comfort, and that the love of family and friends will help see you through this time.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I am here for you.
Love,
Brenda & David Crooker
April 25, 2017
Ann Hiteshew
April 25, 2017
Ann Hiteshew
April 25, 2017
Forever in my heart. Your Cheryl
April 25, 2017
Harold and Susan Donald
Leonard has been a special friend to us for many years. He and Harold had many great times chatting over meals at Denny's. They solved the world's problems, if only the world would listen. Leonard served on many Eagle Scout Boards of Review, helping launch new Eagle Scouts -- especially meaningful since he was an Eagle Scout. Leonard and Cheryl worked tirelessly on both of our sons' Eagle Scout projects. Their love for young people and desire to mentor them was obvious. Leonard was a fine gentleman, a good man.We will miss him.
April 25, 2017
Todd Hiteshew
April 23, 2017
John Clark
Please accept my sincere condolences at Len's passing. I had the privilege of working closely with him during our Link days. He was an excellent pilot and engineer who worked tirelessly to ensure that the military trainees who used our systems received best training available. His military flight experience enabled him to effectively work with the military customer to achieve that end. His subject matter expertize lifted our team.
I will remember Len as one of our best. He was uncompromising in his quest for quality training for the customer and was a true gentleman who was well respected by his peers. It was a pleasure to work with him.
April 22, 2017
A great neighbor and a terrible loss to many.
Denise and Mike Stone
April 21, 2017
Connor Hiteshew
You were the best grandfather I have ever had we love you so much we will so dearly miss you but you are in an awesome place right now
April 21, 2017
Kerry Hiteshew
Len, you were the best father-in-law and grandfather anyone could wish to have. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories we shared. You will forever be in all of our hearts and I have 3 wonderful reminders of the love you invested and will always be grateful to you for that. We love you!
April 21, 2017
Jim Regan
Cheryl and family, what a shock and such a sad moment to learn of Kee's passing. My heart reaches out to you at this time and I remember all the happy times our families shared! God bless and comfort you all.
April 21, 2017
Lynn Vizvary
Ann and Mrs. Hiteshew,
You are close in my thoughts and I am keeping you and your family in my prayers during this sad time. May all your wonderful memories be a comfort to you.
April 20, 2017
Edith Neese
Cherly,
Kee has been a treasured friend for over twenty years and he will be greatly missed. This is a hard time for you now but I know God will be with you and see you through it. My love and support will always be here for you.
Love and prayers,
Edith
April 20, 2017
I knew Leonard and Margaret Ann while serving in the Navy at NAS Oceana. I was amazed to have him come to the postoffice in Eau Gallie FL where I worked in the late 1990's. We became good friends again and I shall miss him. Jim Sutton Murfreesboro TN
April 20, 2017
Carol Hall
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
April 19, 2017
Daughter
Ann Hiteshew
Dad. You held my hand as I entered the world and I held your hand as you left this world. You will always be in my heart and greatly missed.
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