Robert "Bob" Thomas Leitner II

Robert Thomas Leitner II, lovingly known as "Bob," passed away on October 23, 2024, at the age of 77. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on August 6, 1947, Bob lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering loyalty, and boundless compassion. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and dedication to family and community.

Bob grew up in Sherburne, New York, and graduated from Clarkson College of Technology in 1969 with a degree in Industrial Distribution. After college, he began his career with General Electric in Omaha, Nebraska, where he met the love of his life, Cecelia "Cece" Anne Corn, in the summer of 1970. The couple married on July 3, 1971, and Bob reported to Officer Candidate School for the United States Navy soon after.

His Navy service took him to the U.S.S. Voge DE 1047, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served as a supply officer. These years honed his leadership skills and instilled a deep sense of duty that would guide him for the rest of his life. Following his Honorable Discharge, Bob returned to work at GE, moving with Cece from Kansas City to Shreveport, and finally to Baton Rouge in 1975.

In 1978, Bob co-founded Doyle Electric, Inc., and served as its President for over 40 years. Under his leadership, Doyle Electric became a respected name in the industry, known for its culture of family, integrity, and dedication—qualities that Bob embodied in both his professional and personal life.

Bob was a man who never hesitated to lend a hand. He never saw differences in color, status, or politics—only the potential for goodness in each person he encountered. He balanced his demanding career with a rich family life, running triathlons, coaching youth sports, leading Indian Princesses and Guides, and supporting his children, Anne and Beau, at every turn. Whether it was cheering at soccer games, coaching baseball, or being involved in Young Life, Bob was a constant presence.

His dedication to service extended far beyond his family. In the early 1980s, he played a key role in establishing the Associated Builders and Contractors Pelican Chapter and served as its President in 1984. He volunteered at the Southside YMCA, worked with Habitat for Humanity, and spent a decade coaching the LSU Lab School’s 7th and 8th-grade baseball team. A man of deep faith, Bob served as a lay leader at First United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School, and devoted countless weekends to the Kairos Ministry at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. His weekly gatherings with his Covenant Group were a treasured time of fellowship and reflection.

Bob’s love of craftsmanship and the outdoors was evident in his many hobbies. He was an avid woodworker, creating stunning cutting boards as gifts for friends and family. Recently, he shared this passion with his oldest grandson, teaching him to turn a lathe as they crafted duck calls together. Bob found peace in his garden, where he and Cece enjoyed time with their grandchildren. He cherished his daily walks with his beloved dogs—Dakota and Scout in recent years, and a long line of loyal companions before them.

An avid fly-fisherman, devoted reader, and lifelong supporter of LSU sports, Bob found his greatest joy as a grandfather. His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and he was a steadfast presence at every event, cheering them on with pride. These moments were when Bob seemed truly happiest, surrounded by family.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Cece, and their two children, Anne Marie Leitner and her husband Eric Roberts, and Beau Robert Bruce Leitner and his wife Bridget (Balhoff), all of Baton Rouge. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren: Hayes Balhoff, Harper Kay, Hudson Guidry Leitner, and Elliette Grace Roberts. He is survived by his brother, Dennis Leitner (Sherry) of Phelps, Wisconsin, and two sisters, Bette Conrad (Barry Trudeau) and Deborah Leitner (Jerry Braithwaite), both of Mount Vernon, Washington. Other survivors include his brother-in-law, Bruce Corn (Becky), nephews Jordan (Anna) and Max Leitner, and nieces Jennifer Corn and Melissa Minjares (Michael).

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Thomas Leitner and Esther Rose Garvin Leitner; his in-laws, Addison Bruce Corn and Annella Van Denbark Corn; and his nephew, Sean Pileski.

Bob's life was a testament to his faith, his love for family, and his commitment to serving others. He leaves behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation is Wednesday, October 30th, at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Blvd., at 9:30 a.m. with services immediately following at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, consider making a charitable contribution to www.wolvesoftherockies.org/donate.