William B. Leitzen

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Mr. William B. Leitzen, 89, of Manila, Ark., died Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Monette Manor Nursing Home. Mr. Leitzen was born June 9, 1922, in Stockton, Ill., to the late Oscar and Lula Susan Hall Leitzen. Mr. Leitzen enjoyed cracking pecans, making wooden ornaments and spending time with family and friends.

Survivors include four sons, Thomas Leitzen and wife Darlene of Leachville, Ark., Douglas Leitzen and William Leitzen, Jr., both of Manila, Ark., and Walter Leitzen of California; four daughters, Cathy Carter and husband Ricky of Manila, Ark., Margie Thrasher and husband Terry of Leachville, Ark., Rita Armstrong and husband Horace of Lepanto, Ark., and Mary Jo Eddings of Manila, Ark.; one brother, Jim Leitzen of Iowa; one sister, Ilene Graber of Indiana; 38 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two very special friends, Bernice Meade and Blake Davis; Alishia Douglas, caretaker who took care of him the past two years; and a host of other family and friends.

Mr. Leitzen was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley Leitzen; one sister, Eloise Coats; two sons, Tony and Ricky Leitzen; and one daughter, Janice Leitzen.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan.10, at Faith Funeral Service with Rev. Gary Galloway officiating. Burial will follow at the Manila Cemetery.

The family received visitors from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at Faith Funeral Service in Manila.