Obituary

Eldon Dwight (Whitey) Leitch, 69, of Rome City died Monday, August 22, 2011, at 8:30 p.m. in his residence.

He was a graduate of Albion Jefferson High School in Albion. He had lived in Rome City for 21 years, coming from Albion.

Mr. Leitch honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962, spending 18 months in Korea during the Korean War.

He retired in 1997 from G.E. in Fort Wayne as a machine operator after 34 years. He then worked for S&S Oil in Auburn and managed the Rome City service station for 11 years.

He was a member of the 40 and 8 through American Legion Post 246 in Albion, and was a life member of G.E. International Union Local 901.

Whitey enjoyed bluegrass music and playing his guitar and bass. He attended and participated in the Bluegrass Festival in Kendallville. He loved fishing, hunting, drag racing, go-carts, and NASCAR. He also liked to repair small engines.

He was born October 7, 1941, in Noble County to Russell and Lenna M. (Herendeen) Leitch. On May 19, 1990, in Wolcottville, he married Carol Broom.

Surviving are his wife, Carol Leitch of Rome City; two daughters, Anisa Leitch of Albion; Anita (Dale) Sherman of Albion; a stepdaughter, Margery Littlefield of Rome City; two stepsons, Ronald Bidwell, Jr. of Rome City and Keith M. Wooten of Rome City; two grandchildren, Tayler Sherman of Albion and Austin Leitch of Albion; three step grandchildren, Ashlie Hicks of Corunna, Brooklyn Bidwell of Corunna, and Logan Bidwell of Rome City; four sisters, Marceil Clouse of Albion, Kate Clouse of Albion, Dolores Coy of Albion, and Ellen LaVon Cleland of Kendallville; two brothers, Carroll Leitch of Kimmell and Elda (Gene) & Natalie Leitch of Lafayette, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Edna Budd; and a brother, Larry Leitch.

Funeral services will be Friday, August 26, 2011, at 11 a.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville, with Pastor Joel Stanley and Pastor Raymond Whitehead officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion. Honor guard services will be provided by American Legion Post 246.

Calling is Thursday, August 25, 2011, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Friday.

Preferred memorials are to the Orange Township Fire Department or to the Northeast Indiana Bluegrass Association.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com