Donald LeRoy Leadbetter, 79, of Ottawa, KS passed away February 6, 2022, at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS. Don was born in Luverne, ND on October 21, 1942 the son of Edward Leadbetter and Josephine (Anderson) Leadbetter. Don grew up in Luverne, ND and graduated from Luverne High School with the class of 1960. He then graduated from Bottineau School of Forestry and Valley State Teachers College.
Don taught Math and Science in Martin, SD and then later became the Superintendent of School in Tolley, ND. He then moved to Great Bend, KS and sold Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance and was a salesman for a mobile home dealership in town. In 1977 Don moved to Ottawa, KS and started Leadbetter Homes. In the early 1990’s Don developed a neighborhood off of K-68 and I-35 called Country Estates or the Leadbetter Addition. Don started his working life as a flag boy for Johnson Aerial Spraying Services. He had to hold the flag for the pilot and then run as fast as he could to not get sprayed. He loved to tell that story to people
On June 28, 1964 Don was united in marriage to Nancy Jacobsen, his high school sweetheart, in Luverne, ND. They shared fifty-seven years of loving marriage.
Don was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Ottawa, Elks Lodge #803, Ottawa, and was a prior member of the Eagles Lodge in Ottawa. Don loved fishing especially in North Dakota. He also enjoyed spoonbill fishing with his sons at the Lake of the Ozarks. He loved his lake house and spent many hours just enjoying the wildlife. He was a traveler at heart. He and Nancy traveled all over the world to many countries over their years. Don taught all kids to ski, but somehow never skied himself. He did however love riding a jet ski. His family meant the world to him. He always spent as much time with his kids and grand kids as he could. He was also very involved with keeping his yard well mowed. He would say that riding his mower was his therapy.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leland and Luella Jacobsen; brother, Ray Leadbetter; brother-in-law, Roger Jacobsen; sister-in-law, Clarice Leadbetter; and sister-in-law, Jean Leadbetter.
Don is survived by his wife Nancy Leadbetter, Ottawa, KS; four sons, Terry Leadbetter and his wife, Deb, Louisburg, KS, Kevin Leadbetter and his wife, Brandi, Ottawa, Darin Leadbetter and his wife, Dawn, Ottawa, Jason Leadbetter and his wife, Karen, Spring Hill, KS; grandchildren, Kelsey, Megan, Lindsey, Emily, Amanda, Colton, Cora, Hannah, Kyler; step grandchildren, Brittany, Kaleigh, Kristopher; two brothers, Art Leadbetter, Midland , MI, Marvin Leadbetter, Dilworth, MN; sister-in-law, Delores Leadbetter, Luverne, ND; nine great grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 12 2022 at Faith Lutheran Church, Ottawa, KS. The family will greet friends for a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday February 11, 2022 at Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Ottawa, KS.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church and sent c/o Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.
