Bobby F. Leavitt, 91, of Kirksville, MO. recently had relocated to Wesley Chapel, FL, passed on Tuesday October 26, 2022 at home surrounded by family.
Bobby a lifelong resident of Adair County and Kirksville, Missouri recently relocated to Wesley Chapel, FL, to be with his son and daughter-in-law to enjoy warm clear blue skies of Florida.
The son of Verdis Frank Leavitt (1901 – 1971) and Auralee Vaughn Leavitt (1905 – 1985), he was born March 12, 1931 in Adair County, Missouri, at the farm of Poe and Fannie Vaughn. On August 7, 1954 in Kirksville, Missouri he was united in marriage to his beautiful bride Margery Ann Patton.
Bobby is preceded in death by his loving wife Margery on August 18, 1999, his parents Verdis and Auralee and his in laws Carter & Mary Patton, Son in-law Robert Clawson and infant granddaughter Katie Lynn Clawson.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory are one daughter Kathryn Clawson, of Green Castle, Missouri, one son, Michael Leavitt and his wife Nelly of Wesley Chapel, Florida. Four grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Whitney and David Roller of Macon, Missouri, along with Charley Billington Whitney’s son and Kaylee Roller. Matthew Clawson and his son Ramsey of Green Castle, Missouri. Nathan and Elise Leavitt of Knoxville, Tennessee, and their children Phillip, Michael, Debra, Peter. And Nicholas and Megan Leavitt and their son Max of Tampa, Florida. Also surviving three sister in laws, Mary Maye Bennett of Richland, Iowa, Cartalene Ruddell and her husband, Ronald of LaPlata, Missouri, and Jo Ellen Hays and her husband, Eldon of Kirksville, Missouri, several nieces and nephews.
Bobby was raised in the eastern Adair County and graduated from Brashear High School. After Graduation He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was Honorary discharged on March 10, 1954. Bobby returned home and went to work for McGaw Edison in Kirksville for 26 years. In 1987 Bobby was elected as 1st District Commissioner, for the Adair County Commissioners Court. He held various position in the Kirksville area with MFA, Jack Wards Sporting goods, LP Gas Manager and even Bobby and Margery owned the downtown Doughnut Shop at the old Smoke Shop location. He enjoyed visiting and joking with all who came into the shop for coffee. His smile and laughter was contagious. Bobby ultimately retired in 1996. He then occupied his time enjoying farming east of Kirksville with a small herd of Black Angus and Hereford cross cattle.
Bobby and Margery were extremely active in Adair County 4H activities and the NEMO Fair from 1989 to 1993 they served as the fairgrounds management before his retirement. The two enjoyed traveling during their time together. Alaskan cruise was their favorite. Bob loved doing projects for his family. He did all sorts of jobs for his children from building fences to any home repair jobs. He was a skilled woodworker. He made cabinets for his children’s homes and made cherished toys for his grandchildren. 2 years ago he was asked what he would add to his bucket list. His response was, there was nothing he has to put on his list. He felt he had lived and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Bobby continued volunteering, serving on the RSVP Board and continued to volunteer at the nutrition site, Bobby was a Board member of the NEMO Senior Citizens Service, Inc., and he was also served as member of the Crossing Church in Kirksville. Bobby enjoyed social activities listening to music on the square, coffee with guys and a good game of dominos. He found joy in apartment life not being tied down to any commitments or yard work. It was once said, “If you ever drink the water from Forrest Lake, the Chariton River and Salt River. Adair County is truly your home!” Bobby lived in a manner characterized by love and generosity. Bobby was a true Missourian throughout his life and Adair County was and is his home.
Bobby will be dearly missed by family, friends and all who knew him. In the midst of our grief we are comforted by the hope of seeing him again.
Visitation will be held Friday evening October 28th from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville. Deacon Doug Athon will officiate the services. Burial will be in the Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.
Casket bearers will be Nathan Leavitt, Nicholas Leavitt, Mathew Clawson, David Roller, Terry Morgan, Bill Bennett
Memorials in memory of Bobby Leavitt can be made to the NEMO Senior Citizens Service, Inc., located at 172 Valley Forge Drive in Village ’76 or they may be left at or mailed to Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home 2100 E. Shepherd Ave., Kirksville, MO. 63501.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.