Morris Levitch, age 94, Munster, Ind., formerly of Overland Park, passed away on Thursday March 6, 2014, from natural causes.
Morris was the beloved and devoted husband to Frances (nee Waisblum), cherished father to Robin (Don) Eldert of Munster, and loving and fond grandfather to Olivia, Sarah, Rachel, Elise and Jason Eldert. He also leaves behind a brother, Harold Waisblum of Overland Park.
He was preceded in death by his father Sam Levitch, his mother Jennie Levitch Cohen, and sister, Marion Estes.
Morris, a decorated Army Veteran of World War II, was deployed to the Pacific campaign of Douglas McArthur and stationed in the Philippines where he spent many long nights hunkered down in foxholes combating the advances of enemy troops. While stationed there, Morris contracted a severe case of malaria and eventually returned home to Kansas City where he met his loving wife Frances on a blind date. The two were soon married and recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary surrounded by adoring family members and friends.
Passing up medical school and dreams of being a surgeon in order to support his family, Morris found another way to put his nimble hands and sharp mind to work, beginning a long and successful career in the rapidly growing and physically demanding garment industry of Kansas City. In charge of the cutting room for Fashionbilt, Morris helped build the company into one of the most successful ladies clothing manufacturers of its time. He retired from Fashionbilt in the mid-1980s, but his love of fine clothing and his gift of easily relating to people from all walks of life led him to a fulfilling second career selling fine men’s suits and clothing for several higher end merchandisers in Kansas City, including Hall’s Crown Center. There he quickly established a loyal cliental, including several well-known Kansas City sports celebrities.
Morris was also an incredible dancer, tall and lean with beautiful white hair befitting a refined gentleman of stature, who together with his wife, taught ballroom dancing to many Kansas City residents. A man’s man and a devoted sports fan, Morris was an incredible athlete and enjoyed playing basketball, golf and cycling. In his later years, he held season tickets for both his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and Royals — never missing a game and never losing hope of a national title.
Forever with us in our hearts, his spirit has touched us all. We know he will be dancing, golfing, and cheering for his favorite teams, eternally, while keeping a watchful eye on all of his beloved family and friends.
A memorial service for immediate family and close friends is being planned for late spring/early summer. In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.macular.org in honor of Morris.
Arr: Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home, 219-836-8250.