Carl David Liechty, 85, of Bluffton passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024 at his residence. He was born March 25, 1939, in Berne to Oswald and Lillian (Burke) Liechty, who preceded him in death.
He was the oldest of three sons, followed by Lynn and Robert Lee Liechty who both preceded him in death. He graduated from Berne-French High School in 1957 and Bluffton College in 1961. There, he starred in basketball, being named the Mid-Ohio league first five his senior year, where he set the school record for points, averaging 20 points per game.
In June of 1962, he was united in marriage to Sandra Ann (Cook) Liechty, the “love of his life,” who survives. Together, they raised two children, Georgia (Michael) Adams; and Christopher (Julie) Liechty. He was blessed with six grandchildren, Forest and Phoebe Adams; Lief (Gabriella), Noah, Magellan and Brock Liechty; and one special granddaughter, Kimikai (Adams) Wheeler.
He started his teaching career in the Lima City Schools from 1962 to 1965, after which he and his wife found their calling to mission work in Japan. They served for 15 years on three separate terms through the Mennonite Commission on Overseas Mission. They were stationed in Miyazaki and Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu, and they also served seven years in Tokyo with the Tokyo Area Fellowship of Mennonite Churches. He taught at Kagoshima University, Rikkyo University and at Akenohoshi Saitama Girls’ School. He also taught and coached basketball at his alma mater and for three years in Archbold, Ohio. He taught 10 more years in the Lima City Schools as a senior civics and economics teacher, retiring from teaching in 1997; then driving school bus for 10 more years until 2007. He was an avid sports fan and model railroader. He will be remembered fondly for always taking time with his grandchildren and many other children to show them his handmade realistic model railroad layouts. It was his great pleasure to play conductor and drive his Lionel trains about, lighting them up in the dark and driving them whistling and blowing artificial smoke through tunnels and over realistic bridges and trestles. He was a sincere student of the Scriptures, spending many hours reading Biblical history, theology and deeply pondering the parables of Jesus. He will be remembered for loving a good debate, for counseling and guiding all peoples of all ages and persuasions in life, for his thoughtful spiritual advice and his voluntary service and support in many ways until the very end.
Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 26 for one hour prior to the 3 p.m. celebration of life service at Lima Mennonite Church, 1318 N. Main Street, Lima, Ohio. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Boehr.
Memorials may be made to Good Heart Ministry, which supports an orphanage and Lima area ministries through Lima Mennonite Church.
Arrangements provided by Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services of Bluffton. Online condolences may be made at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
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