Duwayne Matthew “Corky” Leadingham
September 13th, 1972 - April 20th, 2025
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Corky's Obituary
On Easter morning, April 20th, 2025, Duwayne Matthew Leadingham, better known as Corky, passed away peacefully in his sleep, far too soon at only 52 years old.
Duwayne was born on September 13th, 1972, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to David and Katherine (Kitty) Simpson-Leadingham. Duwayne was born and raised in South Haven, Michigan and graduated from South Haven High School in 1990. He then went on to trade school at Lake Michigan College to get his electrical certificate and his Journeyman Electrical License to start a career as an electrician. He worked for Depree Electric for 13 years, Hill Electric for 16 years, Sunnybrook RV Resort for 15 years, and eventually started his own electrical business– DNA All Trades Electrical Services.
Duwayne is preceded in death by his father in law Frank Lash, and his brother in law Jimmy Schnake, as well as distant relatives within the Leadingham family. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Annette (Lash) Leadingham, his two children Summer and Chase Leadingham, his parents David and Kitty Leadingham, and his brother Carl (Tammy) Leadingham, as well as his many in laws– His mother in law Carol (Frank) Lash, Frank (Shari) Lash, Karen (Jimmy) Schnake, Catherine Lash, Debbie (Todd) Holubar, Theresa (Eric) Conroy, Mark (Robin) Lash, and Carolyn (Bobby) Brown, along with many nieces and nephews, and so many friends.
Corky was an adventurer at heart who lived for the thrill of the ride and the calmness of the wild. From a young age, motocross was more than just a hobby– it was a lifelong love that carried him through to his last days spent at the races with family, rooting for his son on the track. His passion for motocross will continue to live on in his son, whom he was so proud of. Corky loved to be out on the paintball field with friends in his youth, filled with energy and competitive fire. He was also an avid hunter and fisher throughout his life and found so much peace and fulfillment in the great outdoors. From 2002 through 2006, he captured his moments as a hunter through his small business, H.U.N.T. Productions, a passion project produced with his wife and some of his closest friends. Whether on a dirt bike, in the woods, or out on the water, Corky was most alive when surrounded by who and what he loved most. We will continue to carry these legacies for him. Continue to keep the things he loved alive and allow him to live within us.
With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Duwayne “Corky” Leadingham– A beloved son, father, husband, brother, mentor, and friend. A lover, a crier, and a fighter through and through, Corky lived his life with an overflowing heart filled with emotion. Corky shared a love with his wife Annette that spanned over three decades. Together for 31 years and married for 26, their bond was built on unconditional love and connection– a true love of a lifetime.
Corky was a devoted family man driven to provide and protect. Home was his haven, and being surrounded by his family was his greatest joy. He always wanted his family close, and he never stopped showing how deeply he cared about them all. He was the proud father of Summer and Chase, who lost their dad far too soon, at just 18 and 16 years old. He loved so hard and so deeply– a man whose heart never stopped giving. He will leave a deep scar in so many hearts. He made such an impact on so many people's lives and will forever be remembered for the imprints he's made on so many throughout his life.
Though he’s no longer with us physically, Corky is still all around us. In our memories, in our stories, in everything we do that he loved. He may be gone from this earth, but he lives on forever in all of our hearts, and one day, we’ll be reunited. But for now, it’s time to rest and be free.
Rest easy, Corky. You are forever in our hearts, and your love rides with us always.
“The Broken Chain”
Author: Ron Tranmer
We little knew that morning God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We will celebrate Duwayne’s life at the South Haven Moose Lodge 697, 1025 E. Wells St., South Haven, Michigan on Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The celebration will continue into the evening, honoring the full and vibrant life he lived. Donations to the family are welcome and deeply appreciated at any time.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence in Duwayne’s memory may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333
Duwayne was born on September 13th, 1972, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to David and Katherine (Kitty) Simpson-Leadingham. Duwayne was born and raised in South Haven, Michigan and graduated from South Haven High School in 1990. He then went on to trade school at Lake Michigan College to get his electrical certificate and his Journeyman Electrical License to start a career as an electrician. He worked for Depree Electric for 13 years, Hill Electric for 16 years, Sunnybrook RV Resort for 15 years, and eventually started his own electrical business– DNA All Trades Electrical Services.
Duwayne is preceded in death by his father in law Frank Lash, and his brother in law Jimmy Schnake, as well as distant relatives within the Leadingham family. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Annette (Lash) Leadingham, his two children Summer and Chase Leadingham, his parents David and Kitty Leadingham, and his brother Carl (Tammy) Leadingham, as well as his many in laws– His mother in law Carol (Frank) Lash, Frank (Shari) Lash, Karen (Jimmy) Schnake, Catherine Lash, Debbie (Todd) Holubar, Theresa (Eric) Conroy, Mark (Robin) Lash, and Carolyn (Bobby) Brown, along with many nieces and nephews, and so many friends.
Corky was an adventurer at heart who lived for the thrill of the ride and the calmness of the wild. From a young age, motocross was more than just a hobby– it was a lifelong love that carried him through to his last days spent at the races with family, rooting for his son on the track. His passion for motocross will continue to live on in his son, whom he was so proud of. Corky loved to be out on the paintball field with friends in his youth, filled with energy and competitive fire. He was also an avid hunter and fisher throughout his life and found so much peace and fulfillment in the great outdoors. From 2002 through 2006, he captured his moments as a hunter through his small business, H.U.N.T. Productions, a passion project produced with his wife and some of his closest friends. Whether on a dirt bike, in the woods, or out on the water, Corky was most alive when surrounded by who and what he loved most. We will continue to carry these legacies for him. Continue to keep the things he loved alive and allow him to live within us.
With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Duwayne “Corky” Leadingham– A beloved son, father, husband, brother, mentor, and friend. A lover, a crier, and a fighter through and through, Corky lived his life with an overflowing heart filled with emotion. Corky shared a love with his wife Annette that spanned over three decades. Together for 31 years and married for 26, their bond was built on unconditional love and connection– a true love of a lifetime.
Corky was a devoted family man driven to provide and protect. Home was his haven, and being surrounded by his family was his greatest joy. He always wanted his family close, and he never stopped showing how deeply he cared about them all. He was the proud father of Summer and Chase, who lost their dad far too soon, at just 18 and 16 years old. He loved so hard and so deeply– a man whose heart never stopped giving. He will leave a deep scar in so many hearts. He made such an impact on so many people's lives and will forever be remembered for the imprints he's made on so many throughout his life.
Though he’s no longer with us physically, Corky is still all around us. In our memories, in our stories, in everything we do that he loved. He may be gone from this earth, but he lives on forever in all of our hearts, and one day, we’ll be reunited. But for now, it’s time to rest and be free.
Rest easy, Corky. You are forever in our hearts, and your love rides with us always.
“The Broken Chain”
Author: Ron Tranmer
We little knew that morning God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
We will celebrate Duwayne’s life at the South Haven Moose Lodge 697, 1025 E. Wells St., South Haven, Michigan on Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 4:00 PM. The celebration will continue into the evening, honoring the full and vibrant life he lived. Donations to the family are welcome and deeply appreciated at any time.
Those wishing to leave an online condolence in Duwayne’s memory may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel of Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 269-637-0333
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