Elmer Daniel Leimkuhler Jr.

Elmer Daniel Leimkuhler Jr., 81, of Bella Vista, Ark., died following an unexpected illness. He was born May 17, 1930, at his home in Harrisonville, Mo., to Elmer Daniel Leimkuhler Sr. and Alice Belle Leimkuhler (Peterson).

He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as an X-ray technician in Japan and was sought after for his exceptional mathematical skills to teach incoming recruits the fundamentals of mathematics. Following his honored service to his county, he completed his degree in architecture at Finlay College in Kansas City.

Elmer was married 44 years to his wife, Patrice, until her passing in 2006. In 1983, Elmer began a long, loyal and dedicated career with Walmart Inc., first, as manager of corporate property maintenance, then becoming chief architect. He retired from his corporate position in 1998. Since retiring, he went back to Walmart Supercenter as a sales associate in the produce department of the Bentonville Supercenter, where he will be missed by his co-workers who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include his two sons, Michael H. Leimkuhler of Bella Vista, Ark., and Scott Leimkuhler and his wife, Malisa, of Bentonville, Ark.; a granddaughter, Danielle Leimkuhler of Lexington Park, Md.; his sisters and their families, Evelyn Kohler and her husband, Neil, of Harrisonville, Mo., and Elinor Ann Chancellor of Belton, Mo.; and best friend and companion, Jorja Schlapp of Pea Ridge, Ark.

Visitation is set for 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Bella Vista Funeral Home.

Funeral services are set for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel (2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark.) with pastor Richard Jebsen officiating.

Graveside services will be immediately following at the Bella Vista Cemetery.