Richard Leiter

Richard “Dick” Lee Leiter, 88, of Van Wert, passed away at 3:50 AM on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice. He was born March 10, 1930, in Van Wert County, to the late Carey and Velma (Mongold) Leiter.

A 1948 graduate of Hoaglin Jackson High School, Dick went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He went on to marry the love of his life, Marilyn J. (Mihm) Leiter on June 12, 1959. Together they spent their entire life in the same house. She preceded him in death on December 11, 2018.

Dick retired from the United States Postal Service after nearly 30 years as mail carrier. He also owned his own locksmith business. After retirement, he remained active mowing the fairgrounds and doing odd jobs for the fair board.

He and Marilyn were longtime members of Antioch Chapel Friends Church. Dick helped with the set and design for the church plays and decorating for the holidays. He was also the audio person and would send recorded sermons to those who could not attend service.

He is survived by his daughter, Joyce (Steve) Bittner of rural Decatur, Indiana; son, Gary (Molly) Leiter of Newbury, Ohio; son-in-law, David E. Packer of rural Van Wert as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Packer, brothers, Ronald Ray and William Leiter, and two sisters, Carolyn and Marilyn Leiter

Funeral service will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory where military honors will be rendered by combined units of the Van Wert VFW and American Legion. Interment in Woodland Cemetery will be private

Visitation will be from 3 to 7PM Friday, January 25, 2019 at the funeral home and again one hour prior to the funeral.

Preferred memorials are to the Gospel Pavilion at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds or to CHP Inpatient Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.