Submitted by: Dan Rich

Leon De Witte

July 29, 1916 - Jan. 15, 2004

South Bend Tribune 1/22/2004

Leon (Lona) De Witte, 87, of Sebring, Fla., formerly of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, in Highlands Regional Medical Center, Sebring, Fla. Leon was born on July 29, 1916, in Mishawaka, as the son of the late Julius and Alice (Buysse) De Witte.

On Jan. 23, 1943, he married the former Mary K Hisey, who preceded him in death March 2, 2002. He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Joseph, George and Marcel; and by a sister, Mary (De Witte) Fobe.

Leon served in the United States Army during World War II as a physical instructor. Leon is well-remembered as an educator and for his football accomplishments. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1936, and won the South Bend Tribune Gilbert trophy for Most Valuable Player. He was an All-Star fullback in 1935 for Coach Arndt's State Championship team, and won three major letters in football at Purdue. Leon started every game during the 1937-38-39 seasons. He was voted Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 1939, was selected on several All-American teams, and was nominated for the College All-Star game played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Leon played professional football for the Detroit Lions and coached at Broadripple HS in Indianapolis, Ind., Grand Lodge HS in Michigan, St. Joseph HS and Washington-Clay HS in South Bend. Leon was a member of the Mishawaka High School Football Hall of Fame and a member of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.

There will be no visitation, and a private service will be held by his remaining family. The Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St., Mishawaka, is handling arrangements.