SPARTA, Edward D. Leming, 82, of Sparta, passed away at 6:30 P.M. Friday, January 30, 2009, peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family. Ed ward born in Sparta to Walter Christopher and Beulah Beatrice Leming (nee Biby) on July 19, 1926 the youngest of six children. Ed attended Sparta Schools and graduated from Sparta Township High School. On May 26, 1949 Edward married Portia Mae Lindsey. Early in their marriage, after driving trucks for Burns, Ed served in the US Army at Fort Leonardwood where he learned his carpentry trade. He received an honorable discharge. Ed and Portia adopted three children, Nancy Hope (Bob) Reid of Colstrip, MT, Roberta Ann (Paul) Kipp of Steeleville, IL, and John Biby Leming of San Diego, CA. In addition t his children he is survived by his sister, Alice Elizabeth "Betty" Leming of Sparta; grandchildren, Christopher Robert (Dawna) Reid of Milwaukee, OR, Lindsay Reid (Duane) Reilly of Houma, LA, Nicholas Allen (Bess) Reid of Frenchtown, MT, Rachel Nicole Deutschmann of Sparta, IL, Bethany Mae Deutschman of Sparta, Adam Lee Diercks of Chester, IL, Ashlee Danielle Leming of Sesser, IL, Ryan Paul Kipp of Steeleville, Ashley Suzanne Kipp of Steeleville, and Brittany Ann Kipp of Rockwood, IL; one great granddaughter, Alexis Reid of Milwaukee, OR; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Ed in death were his loving wife, Portia; his parents; siblings, Beatrice Hope Leming of Sparta, Walter Christopher "Chris" Leming of Shelbyville, Edith Hesse of Belleville, Wilbert "Bert" Leming of Davenport, IA as well as his dear friend, co-worker and companion, Don Hill. At Ed's wishes, graveside services Ed enjoyed the trade of carpentry and made it his life's occupation. He formed L & M Construction and was a successful and respected contractor. Besides enjoying his chosen trade, Ed had a lifelong fascination with and love of aviation. He was a long term member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) and was instrumental in forming Local EAA Chapter 553 of which both he and Portia were charter members. The last few years, Ed had enjoyed working in his garage shop with his friends and lifelong neighbor, "Sleep" McConachie. Ed took daily comfort in the final months with his visits with "Sleep". Through the final journey, Ed formed a very special bond with his caregiver, Amy Higgemeier and it was Amy and she alone who could coax a smile from his until the very end. It was because of all the wonderful nurses but especially Amy that Ed requests that any and all memorials be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Graveside services will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 11:00 am at the Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta with Rev. Scott Henley officiating. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville. To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.