Billy Gene Leavell, age 86 of Elwood, passed away on December 9, 2014 at Community Parkview Care Center in Elwood following an extended illness. His beloved wife, Donna May Leavell, age 82 of Elwood, also passed away just hours later on December 9, 2014 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following an extended illness. They were united in marriage on July 23, 1950, and they are now together in Heaven.

Billy was born on July 7, 1928 in Elwood, the son of Paul Leavell and Myrtle (Law) Burke. He was a graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Billy worked in production for RCA in Marion and retired in 1987. He enjoyed caring for his lawn and working on cars.

Donna was born August 3, 1932 in Anderson, the daughter of Lester and Nancy May Belle (Sult) Wittebort. She attended Wendell L. Willkie High School. She was a homemaker all of her life and a devoted wife and mother. Donna enjoyed crafts.

Their family includes a son, William (wife Mary) Leavell of Elwood; Donna's brother, Larry "Buck" Wittebort of Elwood; 4 grandchildren, Shane (wife Jessica) Leavell of Fishers, Justin (wife Jennifer) Leavell of McCordsville, Kenny (wife Kelly) Rittenhouse of Houston, TX, and Joshua (wife Danielle) Rittenhouse of Elwood; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents. Donna was also preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Jerry Wittebort and Claiton Wittebort; and a sister-in-law, Joa Lee Wittebort.

Graveside services will be conducted at a later date in the Elwood City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.