Donald Ray Leffler
Donald Ray Leffler, lovingly referred to as “Leff”, died in his sleep in the early hours of January 9th, after a rapid progression of Parkinson’s disease.
Don was born on February 7, 1947, to Martha (Morgan) Leffler and Gene Leffler. Don developed a love of art at an early age and took art lessons in downtown Indianapolis as a young child. He grew up with four brothers- Bob, Joe, Tim and Ted- in Beech Grove, Indiana, where he played football and ran track in high school. It was at Beech Grove High School where he met his future wife, Sandra (Byland) Leffler.
Don and Sandy were married in 1968 while he attended Purdue University. Initially, Don majored in engineering, but when that pursuit landed him on academic probation his freshman year, he changed to art and graduated with an MFA in oil painting and education. Shortly after graduating, Don began what would end up being a 40-year career as an art teacher for Twin Lakes School Corporation.
During his time at Twin Lakes, he touched many lives and tried to make art accessible to all who were interested. On his classroom walls were quotes from Herman Hesse’s “Steppenwolf”, as well as “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” and so many more. He had a record player in his classroom and would play the Beatles, Buddy Holly, Queen and countless other artists for his students to listen to as they worked on their projects. In addition to teaching art, Don was in charge of the decorations for the annual prom (with Mark Weaver and Mary Sue Burkhardt), often creating large art pieces. Don also painted countless back drops and sets and designed the play posters for many Twin Lakes High School theatre productions. A well-known procrastinator, it was not uncommon to have him putting final touches on the sets or backdrops as the curtain was opening for the first show.
After retirement, Don found his second career as a lead singer in a local band, The New Moon Grove. As a lifetime lover of music, this was one of the happiest times of his life. Don not only loved performing with his friends, but he also loved writing lyrics. Don is known for his fabulous stage attire. Even in his decline, his musician friends would visit and play music, so he could sing along.
Don Leffler was beyond kind and thoughtful. He was an incredible son, brother, father, teacher, artist, musician, boyfriend and friend. A few paragraphs will never encapsulate all that Don is and was, -and cannot capture the impact he had on so many lives.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Leffler; his parents, Martha and Gene Leffler; and his brothers, Joe and Bob Leffler. Don is survived by his daughters Amy (Adam) Anderson and Heather Leffler; brothers Tim (Carolyn) and Ted (Carol) Leffler; grandchildren Schuyler and Corby Chiszar, Charlie Anderson, Olive and Gus Leffler-Miles; nephews Nick Patrone, Justin and Brad Leffler, and Michael and Daniel Leffler. Don is also survived by his girlfriend, Jamie Lawrence, and countless close friends. Anyone who entered his orbit was lucky to have known him.
A “Celebration of Leff” will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the Tippecanoe Country Club in Monticello. The Celebration will start at 6:30pm, with Spoken Memories beginning at 7 p.m. Afterward, the evening shifts from words to rhythm, with some of his favorite music playing until 9:30 p.m.
Memorial Donations may be made to “The School of Guitar”, 101 North Main Street, Monticello, Indiana 47960. Envelopes will be available at the club.
Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home is honored to assist with arrangements