David Leong, the man credited with inventing Springfield-style cashew chicken, has died.

Leong was 99-years-old.

He passed away Monday night.

Leong moved to Springfield in the 1950s.

Born in #China, served our country in the #Military in #WWII Invented #CashewChicken worked at The Grove Supper Club. Started Leong’s Tea House on W. Sunshine & Leong’s Asian Diner on W. Republic Rd. Dear friend of mine since 1976. Would have been 100 in Aug. R.I.P. David Leong😥

— U.S. Rep. Billy Long (@USRepLong) July 21, 2020

David Leong, the inventor of Cashew Chicken that originated in Springfield, Missouri died yesterday. Learn a little bit more about the man behind the dish that swept the nation in 1963. https://t.co/EwSsIz9f7I

— Springfield, MO (@SpringfieldCVB) July 21, 2020

R.I.P. David Leong. He was famous for Springfield-style cashew chicken, written about in the @nytimes and beloved by the community.

— Cora Scott (@CoraJScott) July 21, 2020