Kenneth Leitch, Jr: 1925 – 2009
Kenneth Leitch, Jr., 83, a resident of Churubusco, died at 9:07 p. m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He had been in declining health for some time.
Mr. Leitch was born on August 5, 1925 in Whitley County, a son of Kenneth P. and Thelma Evangela (Herron) Leitch, and as a young man served during World War II with the U. S. Marine Corps.
A lifelong resident of the Churubusco-area, he retired in 1983 as a machinist with International Harvester in Fort Wayne after 27 years.
He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco and the Gilbert Davis American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco. In his leisure time he enjoyed spending summers in Sarona, Wisconsin, playing golf, target shooting, and gardening.
His marriage took place in Churubusco on June 5, 1963 to Ruth E. Miller. She survives.
Also surviving are his children Ellen (Gary) Smith of Albion, Valeria (Jerry) Cheek of Auburn, Jeannette (Gary) Petelle of Churubusco, Vickie Leitch of Moore, Oklahoma, Scott (Debbie) Leitch of Churubusco, and Christopher Hardacre of Columbia City; his sisters Arrena Diffendarfer and Janette Johnson, both of Churubusco; two sisters-in-law Mary Jane Leitch of Fort Wayne and Irene Leitch of Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers Ross Leitch and Don Leitch.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Monday, February 2, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco with Pastor Lane Burgland, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Sunday from 2 to 5 p. m., or at the church one hour prior to the service.
Private family interment with military graveside rites will be in Concordia Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco.
**********************************
To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Leitch’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
January 30th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Uncle June was one of a kind and dearly loved. I loved his quick wittedness and liked hearing his opinions on certain matters!! Always a good time when he was around that’s for sure. He was a very proud Marine and I feel lucky to have known him and to be related to such a fine man.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:30 pm
Dear Family,
I was saddened to hear about Uncle Jr, I guess I didn’t know he had been sick,I am sorry for that.
What a great guy, he always made me laugh. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
love you,
sherri
January 31st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Debbie and family,
Please accept my sympathy and my prayers during your time of grieving your loss, and your celebration of Kenneth’s heavenly gain.
May God be your strength, your comfort and your peace.
Blessings,
Pastor Corinne Boruff
Churubusco UMC
January 31st, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Ruth,
Sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
January 31st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Dear Ruth & Jeannette and families:
We are so sorry to read about Ken in the paper. Jack was still copying boxing tapes to send to him.
I have to work at the tax office on Sun. afternoon, but Jack is going to try and come.
Please take care of yourself, Ruth, and know that our prayers are with you. We’re so glad we got to see you at the courthouse and the Thrivent dinner.
God Bless! Your old friends, Jack & Jane Helton and the kids – Aimee, Joel and Andrew (who all seem to remember the both of you).
February 1st, 2009 at 11:13 am
Ruth & Family,
We’re saddened to hear of your loss. You were such good neighbors to have while growing up. I still fondly remember meeting you for the first time. If you remember, Mom, Dad & I went back to your house to return one of your shoes that George had dragged down to our house. Honey and George sure did have good lives. Ken will be missed for a short time but oh the dog stories we’ll be telling after we’re together again in the New Earth.
God bless you and keep you safe, Brian & Mollie
February 1st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Jeanette, Gary and family,
We were sadden to hear of your loss and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family.
God Bless,
Becky and Doug
February 1st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Grandma J…I am so sorry to hear about your brother. My mom sent me an email and so I just wanted to send you a little note to let you know that i am thinking about you. Keep smiling and filling everyone with your contagious spirit I LOVE YOU!!!!
February 1st, 2009 at 4:24 pm
To the Leitch family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this very sad time.
Danny & Roxann Brock
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 am
Dear Scott and Debbie and Family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. It’s so hard to lose ones’ Dad. Just want you to know my heart goes out to you and yours in this tough time. May the Lord Jesus hold all of you in the palm of his hand, Ellen Jefferies
February 2nd, 2009 at 8:02 am
Dear Ruth and family,
I am sorry to here of kenneth’s passing he was so sweet and caring, He always made sure ruth was taken care of she always came first I will always have alot of respect for his thoughtfullness Ruth if you or your family ever need anything I am only a phone call away.
Susan Grobis
Parkview Noble Cardiology Clinic
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 am
Grandma J and Family,
Alli and I just want to send our condolences and to let you know we will be praying for you and the rest of the family in this sad time of loss. We know God will raise you up and bring you through these tough times!! We love you!
February 2nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm
To the Leitch and Hardacre Families, wishing God’s comfort for you in the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. It’s hard to lose a parent and I share your sadness.
Our deepest sympathy,
Daryl & Carolyn (Geiger)Erwin
Churubusco, IN
September 19th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Kenneth Jr.’s passing is how I was able to find Vickie. I have heard many stories and the highlights of the Leitch family since this reunification. Quite interesting as a gross magnanemous understatement. I can see where I acquired many of my innate interests and skills, I am pained that I was unable to know some of him…what an interesting and valuable line of humans, and in that I am personally relieved.