Stephen Lingenfelter

Stephen I. Lingenfelter of Lilburn, Georgia, husband of Alice Lingenfelter, died Saturday, December 15, 2007.  He is survived by his daughters, Leigh Westergren, Krystal Irwin; and his son, Robby.  He also is survived by his step-sister, Dorothy Jo Hardwick; and his step-brother, George Craddock.  He also is survived by five grandchildren, Zach, Ben and Sam Westergren and Coral and Peyton Irwin.  His sons-in-law include Chris Irwin and Matt Westergren.  Steve loved his profession and life-long job which is why as Will Rogers once commented, Steve never worked a day in his life.  Steve had the unique capacity and capability of understanding others and finding the common ground necessary to the resolution of difficult disputes.  Steve was an attorney.  Steve specialized in resolving disputes and preserving relationships rather than creating disputes and destroying relationships.  Steve worked for the government and in private practice to facilitate the construction of large public works and military projects throughout the United States and the world.  His contributions were immense as he always appreciated and respected the positions of adversaries while skillfully educating them to understanding his client's views.  Truly, Steve often made silk purses out of sows' ears.  Steve received his BA degree from Texas Christian University in 1965 and his JD degree from the University of Texas, School of Law in 1969.  Since 1969 he has been a member of the State Bar of Texas.  He received his LL.M. (Master of Laws) degree (with highest honors) from George Washington University in 1970.  Among his awards and recognition he was a participant in the President's Commission on Executive Exchange; he was also a recipient of Vice President Al Gore's National Performance Review Hammer Award, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chief Counsel's Dispute Avoidance and Resolution Award, the Bert Pettinato Pride in Public Service Award, and the Department of the Army's Achievement Medal for Civilian Service and Superior Civilian Service Awards.  Between 1969 and 2002 (when he retired after 33 years of federal service), he served as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers attorney in positions as Assistant Division Counsel, Missouri River and South Pacific Divisions; District Counsel, San Francisco District; and Division Counsel, South Atlantic Division.  

In 1983 Steve was promoted to the position of Division Counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' South Atlantic Division (SAD) in Atlanta, Georgia.  The Corps' South Atlantic Division has a large military and civil construction program throughout the southeast United States plus Central and South America, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  For 19 years as the SAD Division Counsel, Steve was the responsible attorney for the legal program of the division and its five district offices with approximately 40 attorneys. Also as Division Counsel Steve was the primary proponent for the Division's partnering and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program.  He conducted the first mini-trial (ADR) in the South Atlantic Division and personally developed procedures for implementation of construction dispute review boards (DRB's).  When most would have retired, Steve continued his practice at Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP during which he continued to grow professionally and handle many different and difficult tasks.  He worked in teams at the firm on projects designed to alleviate the human suffering caused by the war in Iraq, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and other natural and man-made disasters.  Yet despite this important work, he still found the time to play Santa Claus during Christmas time for underprivileged children.  He always found the good in others and always found humor in himself to brighten the days of everyone around him.  On the day of his death, his law firm toasted him at their annual Christmas party in his honor, prayed for him and conducted a moment of silence for he was a treasured part of the firm who will be missed dearly.  Visitation was held Sunday evening from 7 to 9 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033; Phone: (404) 292-1551.  A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Monday, December 17, 2007, in the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.  Written condolences may be sent to alice.lingenfelter@gmail.com.