Ray D. Leiter

LaOtto - Ray D. Leiter, 85, of LaOtto, died on April 13, 2017 surrounded by his family at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville.  The youngest of 11 children, he was born on April 14, 1931 at the family farm west of LaOtto to the late Clarence and Pearl (Wood) Leiter.  On April 20, 1958, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, he married Patricia Miller, who survives.  He was employed by Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1990, after 40 years of service.  Mr. Leiter was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and held many church offices through the years.  He was a charter member of the LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department, and served in the US Navy Reserves.  In addition to being survived by his wife Patricia, he was the proud father of six children, Mark (Kim) Leiter, of Avilla, Roberta Hornett (Jeff Hammontree) of Brownsburg, Carmen (Joe) Holbrook of LaOtto, Jeffrey (Lisa) Leiter of Auburn, Peggy (Paul) Zilz of Columbia City, and Samuel (Cheryl) Leiter of Pittsboro.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Amanda (Jeff) Ganswindt, Calvin (Kelli) Leiter, Crystal (Dexter) Crossley, Joseph (Jessica) Hornett, Brent (Lauren) Hornett, Robert (Julie) Hornett, Douglas (Carla) Holbrook, Michael (Shasta) Holbrook, James (Amanda) Holbrook, Catherine Holbrook, Matthew Holbrook, Logan Leiter, Abby (Phil) Kirk, David Zilz, Kristen (Eric) Clark, Daniel Zilz, Emily Zilz, Rebekah Leiter, Ben Leiter, and Luke Leiter; 14 great grandchildren, sisters, Dorothy Martin of Kendallville, and Mary Peduto of Indianapolis.  He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Margaruitte Schafer Leiter, brothers, Glen, Glade, Cleo and Robert, and sisters, Carrie, Helen, Gladys, and June.  Funeral Services will be 10:00am on Thursday April 20, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 113 West Albion St., Avilla.  Pastor Patrick Kuhlman will be officiating.  Visitation will be from 3-8pm on Wednesday April 19, 2017 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla.  Burial will be at the Lutheran Cemetery, rural Avilla.  In memory of Mr. Leiter, memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, or LaOtto Volunteer Fire Department.  To leave online condolences, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com