RICHARD HARLAND LEFFEL, 82, went to be with the Lord on April 13, 2018 from the Legacy Circle of Life in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born November 13, 1935 in Hutchinson, Kansas to L.L. & Eva (McQueen) Leffel. Richard was one of eight children. He grew up in Hutchinson, Kansas and attended Buhler High School.
Richard married Phylliss Smith in 1959 and graduated from Bethany Nazarene College (Southern Nazarene University) in Bethany, Oklahoma. Following graduation, Richard pastored in Bellaire, TX; Dothan, AL; Canal Zone Panama; Decatur, IL; Collinsville, IL; Valparaiso, IN; Amarillo, TX; Port Arthur, TX; and Rogers, AR.
Retired from full time pastoring in 1999, he continued to minister as Supply Pastor in several churches including 1 ½ years in Bella Vista, AR.
Reading, writing, researching scriptures and sermonizing were his passions and practice. He loved sports – playing softball, running track, starring in high school basketball, and coaching church teams.
Without formal vocal training, Richard naturally heard and sang harmony along with his natural bass. He sang in a local church men’s quartet, two college quartets, and many District and local church groups over the years. Unable to read musical scores due to vision impairment, he memorized songs and poems which were liberally included in sermons and writings.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and six of his siblings. Survivors include his wife of nearly 59 years, Phylliss; three daughters, Brenda (Steve) Coutouzis; Rhonda (Dale) Cleavenger; Darla (Gary) Sivewright; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and his sister, Dorene.
Memorials may be given to the Global Clean Water
Fund through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (ncm.org).
Interment will be at Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers, AR. Arrangements under the care of Rollins Funeral Service, Rogers, AR
