Leon Kita, 94, of Marion, died peacefully in his home on Monday, June 20, 2016. He was born in Albion, Michigan, on July 18, 1921 to the late John and Mary Kita. On July 5, 1947, he married Evelyn and she preceded him in death in 2008.
He served in the US Navy from 1940 – 1946. Leon was the last Pearl Harbor survivor in Grant County. He was serving aboard the USS Honolulu docked in Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941. He also took part in the June 6, 1944, Invasion of Normandy. Leon was stationed aboard a minesweeper off Omaha Beach.
He was employed with St. Regis Paper for 30 years in Battle Creek, Michigan. Upon retirement in 1984, he and Evelyn moved to Marion to be closer to family. Leon was an avid model ship builder and was still building ships for his grandchildren. He was also an accomplished oil and water-color artist. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Leon volunteered at the Marion VA Hospital for 25 years in Day Treatment playing cards and visiting with patients.
Leon was a member of Pear Harbor Survivor’s Association and Pacific Historic Parks, Van Buren American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. In 2014, Leon flew to Washington with the Honor Flight to view the WWII Memorials. He attended St. Paul Catholic Church.
Loving survivors include: daughters – Susan (David) Kriegbaum, Patricia (Eric) Heffner: son – Oliver (Kevin) Kita and son-in-law, Joseph Chambers. Grandchildren – Kathy (Jeff) Hern, Tiffany Chambers, Jeffrey Leon Oradat, Matt Chambers, Adam Dunn, Dan (Sara) Kriegbaum, Matt (Dede) Kriegbaum, Joe (Kristen) Kriegbaum, James (Amy) Kriegbaum, Peter Kriegbaum and Alison Fessenden. Great-Grandchildren – Austin, Max and Jack Ryan Hern – Andrew, Mitchell, Hannah, Alec and Oliver Kriegbaum, Sophia Shaffer and Alison (Jon) Donovan. His devoted and faithful caregivers – Lynn Cadena, Suzi Sutton and Amy Milford Wickware.
Leon was preceded in death by his siblings and daughter, Margaret Mary Chambers.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Wiesenberger officiating and burial with Military Honors at the Marion National Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to: Honor Flight of NE Indiana, P.O. Box 5, Huntertown, Indiana 46748.
Arrangements were entrusted to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.