Rolland Eugene “Bud” Leenerts of Heber Springs, Arkansas passed away November 12, 2011 in Heber Springs, Arkansas. He was born February 13, 1930 to Oltman and Kate Leenerts in Quincy, Illinois.
He was brought up in La Prairie, Illinois on his family farm; he graduated from the University of Southern California in 1952 and from the Naval Post Graduate School in 1972. A naval aviator, he received his wings in 1954 and served as a fighter pilot and later as an Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Officer, most recently for VF-124 at NASMiramar. He retired at the rank of Commander. He served aboard many aircraft carriers, most notably the USS Independence and the USS KITTY HAWK. After retiring in 1976, he worked for defense contractors Raychem, Cerberonics, and ISI in various managerial capacities, as well as serving as Vice President at Leenerts Bros. in Quincy, Illinois.
Like many in his family, Bud had musical talent, and stories always improved with his telling. Active and energetic almost to the end, he traded in his wings for motorcycles, twice riding solo from Heber Springs to Reno, Nevada (and on to San Diego) at ages 75 and 77.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Oltman O. Leenerts, two brothers, Lester Leenerts and Irvin Leenerts.
Bud is survived by his wife, Cindi Certain Leenerts, of Heber Springs, AR, his former wife Helen Riner Leenerts, daughter Cynthia, sons James and Eric, daughter-in-law Rose, and grandchildren Katy, Gina, Daniel, and Brian Leenerts. His sister-in-law, Pearly Leenerts, his nephew Dean, and his nieces Kathy, Jane, and Iris, as well as their families, also feel his loss. Also survived by daughters Stephanie and husband Jud Warden, of Heber Springs, AR, Brooke and husband Cory Stover of Arkadelphia, and grandson Jacob Warden of Heber Springs. His beloved four-legged companions, Katie and Terry also miss him, as do his many friends and shipmates.
A visitation will be held Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6-8 p.m. at the Heber Springs Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 19, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at the Heber Springs Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers please make donations in Bud’s Memory to the American Legion in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Please sign online guestbook at www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
