Jackie O. "Jack" Leisure, age 77, a life-long resident of Elwood, died Monday, February 2, 2015 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following an extended illness. He was born January 16, 1938, the son of Truman and Mary Jane (McPhearson) Leisure. Jack retired from the Elwood City Cemetery after more than 29 years of service as the longest employed Sexton and Caretaker of the cemetery. He also retired in 1987 from the Elwood Fire Department after 20 years of service as a firefighter, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief of the department. Jack attended Elwood schools and served in the U.S. Navy for 5 years. On December 8, 1962, he married Karen A. Patton, and they shared over 52 years of marriage. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Elwood; a lifetime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge; and a lifetime member of the Elwood V.F.W. Jack was one of the original fundraisers for the Elwood Fireworks Fund - dressing as a clown and appearing in parades and fundraisers for many years. He was an avid sports fan; formerly coached little league baseball; and was a NASCAR fan - especially Dale Earnhardt. More than anything, Jack loved seeing his grandchildren.

Jack's family includes his wife, Karen A. Leisure of Elwood; son, Kevin (wife Kelly) Leisure of Elwood; daughter, Kim (husband Chuck) Everson of Elwood; 3 brothers, George (wife Barbara) Leisure of Alexandria, Bill (wife Betty) Leisure of North Carolina, and Bobby (wife Sylvia) Leisure of Elwood; 3 sisters, Mary Lewis of Elwood, Sue (husband Gary) Knotts of Noblesville, and Ardeana (husband Dennis) Smith of Brownsburg; 8 grandchildren, Dedra Leisure, Darci Leisure, Drew Leisure, Nick Leisure, Brandon Leisure, Katelyn Leisure, Hannah Everson, and Ty Everson; a great-grandson, Jack Rogers; a great-granddaughter expected in 2015, Blakleigh; sister-in-law, Karen S. Leisure of Elwood; special former daughter-in-law, Lynn Hare of Elwood; several nieces and nephews; and numerous members of the Patton family.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jackie O. "JR" Leisure; 4 brothers, Jimmy Leisure, Charles Leisure, John Leisure, and Jerry Leisure; and sister, Helen Leisure.

A funeral service celebrating Jack's life will be conducted at 11 AM on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Sister Rosie Coughlin; and Rev. Jenny Charles of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Elwood Firefighters will serve as pall-bearers, and burial will be in the Elwood City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 PM on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Kids Hope Program at the First United Methodist Church. Online condolences: www.cophfeslermay.com.