Leonard Boyd Lisher

Leonard Boyd Lisher, 87 of Indianapolis, Ind. and Bradenton, Fla. died Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Greentree Assisted Living in Indianapolis. Born July 29, 1922 in Greenfield, Indiana, he was the son of Worth and Opal (Branson) Lisher. He was married to Mary Jane Rafferty, from Shelby County for 60 years until her death several years ago. Survivors include his sons, James (wife, Martha) Lisher of Shelbyville and John (wife, Mary) Lisher of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter Cynthia Lisher of Waycross, Ga; sister, Mary Frances Taylor of Lebanon; grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Lisher (husband, Dan) of Greenwood, Indiana, Capt. James Lisher II of the U.S. Air Force, and John P. Lisher of Bloomington, Indiana. Mr. Lisher was a former resident of Indianapolis, Rochester, Michigan, then Bradenton, Florida until his wife passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur Lisher. He was an aeronautical engineer with Allison's before transferring to General Motors Tech Center, in Detroit, Michigan to develop the Buick turbine engine. He retired from General Motors and enjoyed living in Florida, visiting children during summer months, flying his Mooney airplane and gentleman farming in Shelby County. He graduated from Maxwell High School in Hancock County and entered Purdue University studying engineering. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Navy as an Ensign and continued his studies and graduated from University of Michigan Engineering School during the war. He was a member of the Shelby Masonic Lodge #28, Indianapolis Scottish Rite and Murat Shriners. He enjoyed his many friends from Michigan, Florida and Indianapolis. He enjoyed living in Florida and was an avid pilot and golfer. Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Freeman Family Funeral Homes, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. Funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home followed by burial at the Hanover Cemetery south of Morristown. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's hospital or charity of donor's choice.