Harold Dwight Leitnaker

Harold D. Leitnaker, 88, of Ottawa, KS, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Richmond, KS surrounded by family.     He was born October 12, 1928 in Parsons, KS, the son of Dwight E. Leitnaker and Myrtle Louise (Ericson) Leitnaker.  He grew up in the eastern Kansas area, graduating from Wellsville High School, Wellsville, KS with the class of 1946.  He then attended Baker University in Baldwin City, KS for two years.     On August 7, 1949, Harold was united in marriage to Marjorie Louise Elliott at the First United Methodist Church in Garnett, KS.  They shared over 67 years of loving married life together.    Harold was a man of many trades and talents, holding many jobs during his life.  He worked for Maracaibo Oil Company as a draftsman, and he owned and operated the Davis Paint Store in Ottawa for many years.  He worked for Ottawa Steel as a draftsman, and for most of his professional career, he worked in sales for Archer Daniels Midland in Kansas City.  During this time, he also worked at the Plaza Cinema in Ottawa on weekends running the projector, as well as serving as a back - up throwing papers for the Kansas City Star.  Harold didn't let a thing like retirement keep him from working; he sold real estate, worked as an ambassador for Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home and ran his own business under the name "Mr. Fix-It."  His final job was as caregiver to his wife, Marge, who suffers from Alzheimer's. Harold was a very handy man.  He made furniture, lamps, duck decoys and even his own speedboat.  When he worked as Mr. Fix-It, he spent many hours working on houses for people and other real estate agents to get homes up and running again. When Harold did get away, he was an avid hunter and fisherman with his three sons and friends.  He loved to be outdoors and truly enjoyed his 20+ years going to the Stead Ranch in Kingman.  He loved to ski and boat with his family; many times trying new ‘tricks' on a wooden saucer with stools and chairs.  He always had a good time; his happy demeanor was infectious to everyone in his company.  He loved his friends and family dearly, especially his Marjorie.  Harold was a wonderful example for his sons of what a father should be.    He was a member and active in the North Baptist Church, Ottawa.  He was a member of the Elks Ottawa Lodge # 803, as well as a past president and member of the Kiwanis Club of Ottawa.  While at Baker University, he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.     Mr. Leitnaker is survived by his wife Marjorie Leitnaker, Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center; two sons: Gary E. Leitnaker (Nancy) of Topeka, KS, Thomas D. Leitnaker (Pam) of Ottawa; daughter-in-law Vicky Leitnaker, Lenexa, KS; ten grandchildren: Matt Leitnaker, Jenny Merrick, Mandy Kraus, Sarah Brotherson, Tim Leitnaker, Paige Badgett, Ali Haynes, Evan Leitnaker, Clay Casady, John Casady; and 17 great grandchildren.     He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Fannie Lou, and a son, Craig A Leitnaker.    Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017, at the North Baptist Church, Ottawa. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to the service hour Wednesday at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made to Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center or the Alzheimer's Association Heartland Chapter and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Condolences to the family may be sent through www.lamb-roberts.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Harold Dwight Leitnaker please visit our Sympathy Store.

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