Leonard Marvin Witt

Leonard Marvin Witt

Leonard Marvin Witt, 82, passed from this life Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Northeast Missouri Regional Hospital in Kirksville, Missouri.

Leonard was born October 5, 1930 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Returning from his missionary service he married Irma Elkington in the Salt Lake Temple for time and eternity on June 29, 1955. Together they raised five children.

In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Leonard served in the U.S. Army, B Battery, 145 ^th Artillery Detachment, during the Korean War. He also served as a missionary from 1952 to 1954 for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. He then earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Brigham Young University. For a time taught at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. He then earned his Doctorate degree in Sociology from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He taught at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville Missouri from 1972 until his retirement in 1981due to Multiple Sclerosis.

Prior to contracting M.S., Leonard enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing a variety of sports with basketball being his favorite. He loved music; he sang, played the sousaphone (tuba), piano, bass ukulele, harmonica and the accordion and occasionally attempted to yodel.

Leonard will most be remembered for his faith in Christ and an unconditional love for his family, both immediate and extended. He shared his faith with a passion for testifying of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From that passion he maintained his strong faith and cheerful attitude no matter how deeply he suffered. This provided his family with great comfort and guidance for these many years. He will also be remembered for his constantly cheerful attitude, keen sense of humor and kindness towards all he met.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Milton Witt and Leona Tame Witt and his sister, Aileen Marie Witt Kelland. He is survived by Irma Elkington Witt, his beloved wife and eternal companion, his four brothers, Alvin W. Witt (Sandra Black, deceased), Gerald R. Witt (Bessie Mangleson), Merlin M. Witt (Janice Henderson), David L. Witt (Colleen Wilson) and one sister, Dorothy E. Witt Griffith (Larry Griffith). His five children, Karen Marie Witt Irick (Terry Irick), David Vaughn Witt (Donna Weir), James Marvin Witt (Nicole Swedberg), Marilyn Ruth Witt Bunderson (Bruce Bunderson), and Julie Nadine Witt. Seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with three more to arrive this year.

A viewing will be Monday, February 11, 2013 from 6-8 PM at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, Missouri. Funeral services, more a celebration of his life, will be held Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 11:30 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2000 E. Normal Street, Kirksville, Missouri. A graveside service, including military honors, will be held at Highland Park Cemetery located near the church following the service.

On behalf of the family, words are not sufficient for the love, gratitude and friendship for the many home health care professionals who have cared for Leonard over the many years--often on their own time. We love all of you and each has become part of our family. May God bless you all.