Donald R. "Daddy Don" Leisen
October 16, 1935 ~ February 7, 2023
87, of Mooresville, passed away on February 7, 2023, at his home. Don was born on October 16, 1935 in Connersville, Indiana to the late Charles R. Leisen and Opal A. (Riseden) Leisen.
He was a graduate of Richmond High School, class of 1954. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army. He spent most of his life working in the retail grocery business with Kroger, Standard, and IGA where he became executive vice president and general manager of Schwab Foods, Inc. He later left that position to own and operate Martinsville Book & Variety and M&M Realty in Martinsville, IN.
He was active in Kiwanis as club president and Lt. Governor of the Circle City Division. He founded the Circle K club at Mooresville High School. He was a member of the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce, serving twice as its president. He was a member of the Mooresville First Christian Church and served as Elder, Deacon, and a teacher. He was also a Kentucky Colonel. He belonged to the American Legion Post #103, VFW Post #1111, Eagles of Mooresville as well as the Moose and Elk clubs in Martinsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Anna Mae (Winters) Leisen and a son Lyle.
He is survived by his children, Lori Leisen, Michelle Bailey (Duane), Cheryl Sontag (Scott), stepchildren Joyce Turner (Larry), Gary Pennington, Judy Lee, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
As per his wishes he will be cremated and a celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be made in Don’s memory to Churches in Mission, 27 S. Indiana Street, Mooresville, IN 46158.
Final arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Carlisle Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Please visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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What a truly special man!! We are so grateful that we knew and loved Daddy Don for over 25 years. He was very much a part of our lives. Always fun to be with and never once could you get one up on him during the conversation. He always had a hilarious comeback that would shake the table with laughter. On his serious side (which he kept privately), he was a warm human being helping veterans in various ways and cancer patients. I will always love him and cherish our many memories.
He was one special guy.always got hugs from him an his laughter you couldn’t one up on him.He surely will be missed
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
I worked for Don when I was in high school at Schwab’s Foods. He was a good boss and very fair and I learned a lot from him. My condolences to his family.
Oh daddy Don, we’re sure going to miss your fun presence at the VFW, jokes, laughter and very witty sense of humor, most of all your very generous heart for everyone you cared about…your life will be talked about for years to come ❤️, God Bless and hold all of your children and family and your close friend Troy, he misses you terribly…love from all of us at VFW POST #1111
Daddy Don I will miss your sweet face and great antics that always made me smile will miss you so very much loved you much bless you forever
My sincere condolences to the family of Daddy Don. He was a wonderful man I knew from the American Legion. Always had a smile & word of wit for someone
A pleasure to have known him. RIP my friend.
Daddy Don I will miss your goofy self sooo much! I will keep my special made cards from u forever! Love your jumpin bean!!
Him and his Ann were such special people. Loved the Christmas newsletter he wrote every year,when I didn’t get one in 2023 I knew something was wrong. I still have them all. Just found out about his passing this week because I had sent a Christmas card. Even though we’re in a different state we still felt the love from years of friendship through his yearly letter. Fly high Daddy Don with your beloved Ann. You touched so many in your life,feel privileged to have known you.Love The Franklins. Linda & Ken