Frank Leivan

Frank Leivan, age 75, passed away December 24, 2021, at his home near Golden City, Missouri.   Frank was born May 28, 1946, at the family farm, Frog Holler, to Roscoe and Elva Lena (Mabee) Leivan. Frank graduated from Lamar High School in 1963, and then joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Frank served on aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge for two tours during Vietnam. He was very proud of his military service.   After completing his time in the Navy and returning to the Lamar area, Frank fell in love with a former high school classmate and made Mary Ann Boman his wife on August 24, 1968. Frank earned his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971 from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He also became a father in 1971 to his son, Steve. The three moved to Riverside, California where Frank worked as a Systems Analyst for U.S. Navy Fleet Missile Systems. Daughter Stephanie joined the family in 1974 and in 1976 they relocated to Jefferson City, Missouri where Frank opened L&S Cycle, dealer of Hodaka motorcycles. They later relocated back to his birthplace, Frog Holler, where he operated Wee Cool & Heat, raised cattle, enjoyed feeding his catfish, working on his metal building, spending time with his favorite pup "Ozzie" and being at his farm.   Frank is well known for promoting dirt bike racing events for over 40 years through the creation of both the Missouri Hare Scrambles Championship and Midwest Off Road Events (MORE) series. One of his greatest joys was traveling all around the United States supporting his son Steve's racing career. They spent most every weekend for nearly 50 years racing, riding, working on trails, and talking about their dirt bike adventures.   Frank's most prized possessions were his family. He loved them all fiercely. He was a wonderful husband, an incredible dad, a devoted and proud Papa, the best man they knew. He bragged about them every chance he got and went out of his way to make their lives better every single day.   Frank never met a stranger and always had a story to share. He had done it all - hitchhiked across the country, jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, land sailed, even was a square dance caller. He had the blue-ist eyes, the best singing voice and the softest feet. He lived every part of the dash between 1946 and 2021.   Survivors include his wife Mary Ann, son Steve, daughter Stephanie, son-in-law Jarod, grandsons Colton and CJ, three sisters: Mary Ann Wade, Clara Bell McDonald, and Leona Camp and one brother, Roger Leivan.   Frank was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: JR, Alvin and Derald Leivan.   Military Rites will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Daniel Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.   Contributions can be made payable to the Golden City Fire Department in care of Daniel Funeral Home.   Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com