ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — Norman Eugene “Gene” Leggett, 94, most recently residing at StoryPoint Senior Living, Romeoville, Ill., formerly of Plainfield and Wood Dale, Ill., originally of Wapella, passed away on February 12, 2025, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, Ill.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Scott Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be held from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.
Gene was born on June 11, 1930, on a farm near Wapella, the son of Glenn William and Hallie Fern (Shannon) Leggett. He married Ruth Woodall on September 21, 1951, in Clinton. She passed away on November 29, 2016.
Survivors include his son, Eric (Nancy) Leggett, Plainfield, Ill.; son-in-law, Russell Swanson (Elaine Leggett Swanson deceased), Naperville, Ill.; five grandchildren, Erin Leggett, Lisle, Ill.; Julia (Daniel) O’Brian, Highland Park, Ill.; Gregory (Laura) Swanson, Frankfort, Ill.; Kevin (KorrieAnne) Swanson Highland, Ind.; Eric Swanson, Naperville, Ill.; along with his four beloved great- granddaughters, Liliian O’Brian, Mary Swanson, Hannah Swanson, and Finley Swanson. He is also survived by several nephews, and a niece.
In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert Glenn and Dale William; daughter Elaine (Leggett) Swanson; and nephew Donald Leggett.
Gene was a U.S. Army veteran and member of Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet, Ill. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from ISU.
Being an educator all his life, he started his career as a teacher and then became a principal in Delavan, Ill., later a superintendent in Shelbyville, Ill., and lastly a principal in Bensenville, Ill. for more than 20 years before retiring.
In his later years, he co-owned Salon Galleria, in Naperville, along with his daughter, Elaine. Gene loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was known for his kindness and generosity.
Memorials may be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, Joliet, Ill.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
