COLUMBIA CITY – William Lee Leffel, 83, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:24 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
Born on April 21, 1940, at Methodist Hospital in Fort Wayne, he was only 4-1/2 pounds, the son of the late Robert and Kathryn A. Kyler Leffel. At age 2, playing with his mom and uncle, he fell off the sofa, resulting in a coma. Summoning the family physician and friend, Dr. Stickler, he held Bill in his arms for over six hours until he regained consciousness. Later, a plate was surgically implanted over Bill's soft spot in his head.
Growing up in Larwill, he mowed lawns, delivered newspapers, shoveled snow and helped anyone he could. He attended Larwill school and eventually became their custodian. He later worked for the former S&L Truck Stop, Passages and Ball Furniture in Columbia City, Scotts Grocery Store becoming Kroger in Fort Wayne where he earned employee of the year, and Endicott in Warsaw.
Bill was a 10-year 4-H member and a BSA Eagle Scout, earning the Order of the Arrow, which his peers elected. He served as a lifeguard at Anthony Wayne Council's Camp Big Island, where he was credited with saving a boy's life. He became an assistant Scout leader. He participated in the Special Olympics, earning a gold medal in track.
He was a Larwill United Methodist Church member and a fifty-year member of the Larwill Lions Club. Proud of his hometown, he helped start Squawbuck Days and collected old photographs of Larwill's history that were displayed at the events. He was proud that his family lineage included notables such as Abraham Lincoln and country artist Janie Fricke.
He enjoyed traveling, visiting Hawaii four times, Florida and Nashville, where he met Dolly Parton when she called him on stage, welcoming him with a big "Howdy" and then singing a song to him. He visited Elvis's home at Graceland outside of Memphis, Tenn. At home, he would attend Komets Hockey games and area car shows.
Bill enjoyed living in his own apartment, keeping it spotless and always decorating for the holidays. Wherever he lived, he was always helpful, kind and courteous to others.
He is survived by his beloved sister, Linda (Jim) Stroup, of Pierceton; his heart sister, Janet (Randy) Grepke, of Fort Wayne; brother-in-law, Ralph Fitch of Larwill; nieces, Dr. Katti (Dr. Randy) Sneed, of Fairmount; and Katrina Fitch, of Larwill; nephew, Andi (Patrica) Stroup, of Warsaw; nine great-nieces and -nephews; a great-great-niece and his special friends, Danny and Beverly.
Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Joellen Fitch; an infant brother, Kenneth Dale Leffel; and a heart sister, Sara Rogers.
The funeral service is 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is beside his parents at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Bill's honor are to Final Expenses, c/o Smith & Sons.
The family would like to thank Kim and Jessica with Easter Seals for all their care for Bill over the years, Miller’s at Oak Pointe, and the staff at Parkview Whitley Hospital and their hospice for all their loving care and kindness toward Bill.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.