RICHARD DEAN LEAVITT, age 45, died Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at his home in Charleston.

Born March 24, 1976, in St. Louis County, to Richard W. and Patricia McCarty Simpson.

Richard graduated Mehlville High School and continued his education at a community college gaining an associates degree in HVAC. When he found out his wife was pregnant, he was so excited and decided to be a correctional officer to follow in his father's footsteps. He wanted to be a great husband and father.

He left behind his beautiful 11-year-old baby girl, Sky Leavitt of New Baden, IL; his wife, Layne Schmidt Leavitt of New Baden, IL; his mother, Patricia (Gene) Simpson; his step mother, Janet Leavitt; his step father, Gene Simpson;  his sister, Bridget (Marrisa) Leavitt of Sikeston, MO; two step brothers, Deric and Chris Tripp of Sikeston, MO; a step sister, Karen Simpson; and his nephew, A.J. Keefe of Sikeston, MO.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandmother, Joyce Hainz.

Sky, who he called "Baby Girl", will continue on in Rick's name.

Private services will be held.

McMikle Funeral Home in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com .