Franklin “Frank” D. Leist, age 86, Gas City, went to be with the Lord in his home on Sat, Mar 9, 2019. Born in Greencastle on Dec 11, 1932, Frank was the son of Charles Edward and Mabel May (Foy) Leist. He married his loving bride, Mary Ellen Powers, on Jun 12, 1954, and they had four children, Darwin, Daryl, Darren, and Dina.
Frank was a veteran of the US Navy and served during the Korean War. He was a boxer for many years and a member of the Golden Gloves in Muncie. He received his accounting degree and was certified in waste management at Ball State University. He worked at Wastewater Management in Gas City as Superintendent until his retirement in 1995. Frank was also a police officer in Jonesboro and owner of F&M Monitors in Gas City. His gifts and abilities didn’t end there, however. He was a sign painter and skilled woodworker, making many pieces of furniture. He was also an avid golfer and a member of Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City.
The holidays were extra special to Frank, and he especially enjoyed having cook-outs with his family. He will be remembered as a dedicated father and grandfather, as well as one who had a giving spirit and wisdom beyond his years. It was evident how deeply he cared for his family and community.
He will be missed by his wife of almost 65 years, Mary Ellen; children: Darwin D (Sandy) Leist, Lapel; Daryl E (Mary Croucher) Leist, Marion; Darren L (Laurie) Leist, Montpelier; Dina R. Leist, Newport News, VA; 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; brother in law, Robert Powers; sister in law, Ann (Butch) Cavanaugh; several nieces, nephews, friends, his cat, Precious; and good friends, Jim Richards, Owen Gilbert, Larry Leach.
Preceding hi min death were his parents; 2 brothers, Charles Jr and Dallas; and 3 sisters, Revia, Genevia, and Rosemary.
The family will receive visitors from 1 to 3pm with Frank’s memorial service beginning at 3 pm on Sat, Mar 23, 2019, at Eastview Wesleyan Church, 414 N 10 St., Gas City, IN. Pastor Mark Atkinson will be officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN