George “Leighton” Wasem, 82, of Springfield, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at his residence.

G. Leighton was born on January 2, 1934 in Vandalia, the son of George J. and Eva A. VanHorn Wasem.  He married Linda Wiseman on July 17, 1971 in Lincoln.

G. Leighton received his Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University, his Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and his EdD from Northern Illinois University.

He taught Psychology at Joliet Junior College and later went on to work for the State Board of Education in Educational Statistics from 1968-1989.  He went into counseling working for Springfield Mental Health and for the Taylorville Prison.  He had also worked in St. Louis in Bio-Feedback through a doctor’s office. 

He was an animal lover, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed singing, he was funny and had a passion for education.

G. Leighton was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George Dean Wasem; and one sister, Nellie Fern Wasem.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Wasem of Springfield; one son, Galen Kendall Wasem of Austin, TX; three daughters, Alanna (Matthew) Gray of Taylorville, Alyssa (David Jr.) West of Springfield and Diana Leigh Wasem of Springfield; five grandchildren, Takil Agnew, Nana-Samantha Wasem, Jacob Gray, and Eric and Grant West; sister, Pansy Brown of Wichita, KS; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home with Alanna Gray officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective League or The McDougall Research and Education Foundation P.O. Box 14039, Santa Rosa, CA 95402 or drmcdougall@drmcdougall.com.

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