Staff

Our dedicated staff are here to provide support, compassion, and information to help you through your journey of grief and the celebration of your loved one’s life.

At Leavitt Funeral Home, our family and staff are available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

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Jon Leavitt Owner/Funeral Director, 5th Generation
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Stephen Leavitt Owner/Funeral Director, 5th Generation
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Andy Johnson Funeral Director, Embalmer, Belpre Manager
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Troy Christman Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Dana Fouss Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Shawn Lauderman Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Sean Plant Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Steve Sprout Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Jordan Williams Funeral Director & Embalmer
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Bill West Funeral Director Assistant
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Chelsie Fast Funeral Administrator
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Mike Beckett Funeral Service & Transportation
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Rebecca Blankenship Family Administrator
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Kelly Carr Receptionist
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Kristy Williams Office Manager
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Rachael Strong Cremation Coordinator
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Karen Willey Preneed Administrator
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Eric R. Koski Pre-Arrangement Advisor
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Sue Christman Aftercare Support
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Dawn Smith-Hall Family Administrator- Belpre Location
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Links Elmendorf Leavitt ~ Grief Therapy Dog ~

Jon Leavitt

Owner/Funeral Director, 5th Generation
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jon@leavittfuneralhome.com

I am proud to be a fifth-generation funeral director. While it may be perceived that I had no choice, my father gave me the freedom to make the choice. He told me being a Leavitt only gives you the opportunity. I choose this profession because of the diversity that funeral service brings. I enjoy the business side but highly value the relationships I develop with the families we serve and that no two days are the same. This isn’t an office job, whether you are outside at the cemetery, at a church, working visitation or out in the community volunteering. It’s really a combination of everything.

At the age of 16, I started working for my dad (Carr Leavitt) which was in 1988. I was weed eating, painting and working visitations and funerals. In 1992, I earned my Bachelor in Business Administration from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI and received my Mortuary degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, in January of 1994. That’s when I began my Funeral Director position with Leavitt’s. I am currently Co-owner of the business.

I married my high-school sweetheart, Reinnie in 1994. We have two children, Carrie and Joshua. When there is time, I enjoy mountain biking, cycling and snow skiing. I play the bagpipes for families at the funeral home and have also led the Parkersburg South Football team onto the field since 2003.

This is a noble profession. We can help people pay tribute to the life lived of their mother, father, son, daughter or family member. In today’s culture, valuing life and taking time to honor that life is highly important and we must never lose sight of that.

Stephen Leavitt

Owner/Funeral Director, 5th Generation
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stephen@leavittfuneralhome.com

 

Andy Johnson

Funeral Director, Embalmer, Belpre Manager
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With Us Since 1993
andy@leavittfuneralhome.com

I have been blessed to be with Leavitt Funeral Home for nearly 30 years and recently being promoted to manager of our Belpre, OH location. As a family-owned business, Jon and Stephen Leavitt has made it a point to ensure their employees are treated just like their families are. Being able to carry on the traditions of what Leavitt’s stands for is an honor for me. Serving the families in our communities is what I love to do the most.

I received my Associate of Science degree from Washington State Community College, my Bachelor of Science degree from Mountain State University and my Associate of Science degree from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

Of course, I have hobbies such as camping and target shooting and my most cherished activity is spending time with our children, Lydia and Luke. My wife, Sonya and our children live in Little Hocking, OH. Living so close to where I work makes my job responsibilities that much more enjoyable.

Troy Christman

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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With Us Since 2004
troy@leavittfuneralhome.com

My grandparents were good friends with the local funeral director where I grew up. He explained the funeral business to me at a young age and showed me the behind-the-scenes aspect of the funeral home. By the age of 16 both grandparents passed but they left me with a personal experience as to how a funeral service helped a grieving family. I decided to follow my instincts and began my higher education receiving my Associates degree in Business from Washington State and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

I do a good bit of everything at Leavitt’s as a Funeral Director however, preparing the deceased for visitation and the funeral gives me the most satisfaction. I have always enjoyed fixing and restoring things, be that restoring houses, antique furniture or restoring the appearance of the deceased. This preparation gives the family a chance to say goodbye and assist them in starting the grieving process. Knowing families have peace of mind in the presentation of their loved one is my goal each and every day.

I live in Belpre, OH with my wife of 33 years, Sue. We have an African Gray Parrot named Alex. He is 31 years old, and we have had him since he was about 6 months old. He is a pretty good talker.

We have had Boxers for over 25 years. In the past we have bred and showed boxers. The two boxers we have now are Parker and Abella and they are spoiled rotten.

We are active members with Porterfield Baptist Church and we enjoy landscaping, and spending time with our family and friends.

Dana Fouss

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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With Us Since 1973
dana@leavittfuneralhome.com

I first walked in the door of the Leavitt Funeral Home and met with Carr Leavitt on May 23, 1973, two weeks after I graduated from Belpre High School. My first job at Leavitt’s was to live in the funeral home. In 1977, I attended the Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Along with Carr and Charles Leavitt we opened the Leavitt Belpre location, which is where I’ve worked for the last 39 years. In July 2022 I began semi-retirement.

I am past President of the Belpre Area Chamber of Commerce and was selected citizen of the year. I’ve been an active member of the Lions Club, Belpre Rotary, and belonged to the Belpre Community Foundation as well as the Belpre Historical Society.

I’ve always had a special connection with the older people in our community as well as the employees at Leavitt’s from day one. They became my family, with Carr being one of my mentors.

Leavitt Funeral Home is one of the oldest and most trusted businesses in the Mid-Ohio Valley and I have had the privilege to work for three of the five owners. Helping older people and people I’ve known for my entire life brings me great satisfaction to have helped, in a small way, to get so many through one of the hardest times in their lives.

I am married to my wife and best friend, Vickie Cogar Fouss. We have five sons. Belpre has been my hometown for most of my life.

When I have free time, I am an amateur radio operator (HAM) and have always been interested in antique automobiles.

Shawn Lauderman

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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slauderman@leavittfuneralhome.com

Hi, I’m Shawn Lauderman. I’m a Funeral Director with Leavitt Funeral Home. I’ve been officially working here for over 20 years.

I have a 4-year degree from West Virginia University and my 2-year AAS in Mortuary Science degree from Mid America college of  Mortuary Science. Additionally, I hold a 20-year Licensed Insurance Agent Certificate.

I truly believe I have a purpose in life to serve people and the Lord. I have been very blessed to be able to do that here at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg. I enjoy interacting with the families who have lost a loved one. I take personal pride in caring for the deceased whether it is with the procedure of embalming or the cosmetology of the individual. Every detail matters to the families we serve, and they receive the very best from all of us at Leavitt’s.

My wife, Dr. Lori Hawkins and I live in Washington, WV. Together we have three children: Meghan, Chase and Nick. We all lead busy lives but cherish the time we have together. When I’m not a work, you can usually find me hunting, fishing, hiking, cooking, knife sharpening or spending time with my family.

Sean Plant

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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With Us Since 1988
sean@leavittfuneralhome.com

After earning my Degree in Mortuary Science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, I entered the funeral business to explore my passion of serving others. I am so fortunate to do this as a Funeral Director. In 1985, I joined Leavitt Funeral Services and Crematory, where I find my greatest rewards are knowing I have helped and served many people in the Mid-Ohio Valley. I am so proud and honored to have been a part of thousands of families who needed help, guidance and support at the most difficult times of their lives. To this day, I cherish the relationships I have built over the last 37 years with those in this community and pledge to continue this service for those in need.

I live in Parkersburg, WV with my beautiful wife, Stephanie. I am the father of two children, Allie and Tori and four wonderful grandchildren, Cameron, Carter, Blake and Cade.

When I’m not at work, I love to hunt, golf, tend to my vegetable garden and can the fruits of my labor from the vegetables I grow.

Steve Sprout

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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With Us Since 1990
sprout@leavittfuneralhome.com

 

Jordan Williams

Funeral Director & Embalmer
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With Us Since 2017
jordan@leavittfuneralhome.com

Hi, I’m Jordan Williams. I’m a Funeral Director and embalmer with Leavitt Funeral Services and Crematory. I’ve been officially working with Leavitt’s for over five years, even though I’ve known the Leavitt family my entire life.

I obtained my Bachelor of Arts from Alderson Broaddus University then headed to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science where I also secured my degree to become a Licensed Funeral Director.

For me, seeing bereaved people find direction and some relief is always encouraging. Helping them find peace in their stressful situation is what I aim to do every day.

I live in Vienna, WV with Chewy, my dog. I am a Musician and very active with North Parkersburg Baptist’s Youth Programs.

Bill West

Funeral Director Assistant
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With Us Since 2019
bill@leavittfuneralhome.com


For three years I have had the opportunity to work with the amazing staff at Leavitt’s and many of the families we serve daily. Being able to help others and to have the chance to make a sad day a little better for our families is my goal, every day.

For generations, my family has always chosen Leavitt’s during our times of need. The standards at Leavitt’s are second to none and we will never forget that. It’s an honor to be part of such a great and locally owned business.

I was born in Marietta, OH. I am a native of Parkersburg WV where I have lived my entire life. I grew up with the passion of working in the automotive industry to follow in the footsteps of my father and uncles, not realizing that I would take such a deep interest in working with our community.

I’m a 1996 graduate of Parkersburg High School. After graduation I worked in the automotive industry until the age of 42. In that time span, I became well known in my community as the man who does it all. In 2008 I joined the fire service and from there I found my calling in the health care field. I started out at Camden Clark and moved on up to EMS.

My wife, Jennifer and I find great honor and passion working with families in our community and being able to help and comfort them in their time of need. Together we both have five beautiful children who have stood behind and supported us through our journey.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and of course, pets. I love to go camping, hiking, and traveling to new places.

I’m proud of what I do when I am at Leavitt’s. I am honored to have the chance to make a difficult day just a little better for our families. It’s my goal every day and with that I am very grateful to call Mid-Ohio Valley my home.

Chelsie Fast

Funeral Administrator
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Hi, I joined Leavitt Funeral Home in 2023 as a Family Administrator. Shortly after starting my job with Leavitt’s, I felt the desire to become more involved with families during their process of losing a loved one, which is a very difficult time in one’s life. Once I realized this calling, Jon and Stephen Leavitt encouraged me to apply to the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. I did just that and have recently taken on a great opportunity for real-life experience at Leavitt’s as a Funeral Director Assistant.

I graduated from West Virginia University at Parkersburg with an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree. I’m currently attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

For me, being able to care for the people of my community through their most difficult times is what I love so much about my job. Helping them find peace in one of life’s most stressful situations is what I aim to do every day.

My husband (Cody) and I live in Parkersburg, WV with our four girls (Riley, Destiny, Payten, Vexxy) and two boys (Jordan and Trelyn). We have lots of family pets as well. When I’m not at work or school, I enjoy hiking, camping, rock climbing, mushroom hunting, and spending time with my family.

Mike Beckett

Funeral Service & Transportation
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I have had the pleasure of working with Leavitt Funeral Home for twenty-four years and feel so much a part of the Leavitt family. I am married with two beautiful children and two wonderful grandchildren. We are life-long residents of Wood County and are proud members of the First Presbyterian Church of Parkersburg.

As a Transfer Manager, I am often the first contact a family may have with Leavitt Funeral Home. It is always my goal to begin building a trusting relationship and in some cases continue that relationship with families we have previously served. Each of us understands how difficult it is to have your loved one leave your care. It is our promise to you and your loved one that everything we do will be conducted in a dignified and professional manner.

I enjoy a simpler life of spending time with my family and watching our grandchildren grow and bring such wonderful memories to all our lives.

Rebecca Blankenship

Family Administrator
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With us Since 2012
rblankenship@leavittfuneralhome.com

I am very blessed to be a Family Administrator at Leavitt Funeral Home and Crematory. I have had the pleasure of working here since 2012 and feel so honored to be part of such a compassionate and caring funeral home. I have grown up in this community all my life and knew of Leavitt Funeral Home during that time. But personally, working here has touched my heart and has allowed me to see just how caring, loving and compassionate the staff is, and the time and personal care they take in reaching out to families to serve them in a way that honors their loved one the most.

My heart has always been focused on helping people. We never know where time might take us. In the past I have worked in medical offices in the health field and now helping people at Leavitt and assisting families with their loved one’s final wishes has touched my heart in many ways.

I graduated from Parkersburg South High School as well as Parkersburg Community College with an Associate’s Degree. I grew up and currently live in Parkersburg and have two children, Jessica, and Justin and five grandsons. I love spending any time I can with my children and grandsons and making precious memories with them. I love attending church and spending time in church ministries. In my spare time, I also love sewing, especially with my daughter, gardening, and cross-stitching.

Just as I love my own family, I consider it an honor and privilege to spend time with those who need a helping hand and loving heart during the most difficult time in their lives.

Kelly Carr

Receptionist
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With us since 2018
kelly@leavittfuneralhome.com

I have the pleasure of being the receptionist for Leavitt Funeral Home. Every single day is busy for me but there’s not one day that is exactly like another. I’ve been blessed to be with Leavitt’s for nearly five years and I love the many purposes I serve here. I want to make a positive difference in this community, and helping others at the most difficult times of their lives.

My husband, Bob and I live in Parkersburg, WV. I have one son, Tyler. I earned my Associates degree in travel and business from the  Mountain State College. As for my hobbies and cherished moments, I would have to say I love church and bible studies. My home church is Crossroad Open Air Sanctuary in Waverly, WV.  I also enjoy singing, baking, traveling and taking road trips with Bob. We like to find different restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shops and craft stores. Family time is really important to me as well.

At the end of each workday, I have the feeling of peace when I lay my head down at night knowing I have helped someone who needs our care and love during their difficult times. By doing this I help God’s ministry and remain prayerful for our families in need of support.

Kristy Williams

Office Manager
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With us since 2015
kristy@leavittfuneralhome.com

I have a blessed life, both with family and my career with Leavitt Funeral Home. I’ve been the office manager for the Funeral Home for seven years and enjoy knowing that we can provide affordable, caring services to families in need and at the same time, meet our internal expenses. For years we have known the Leavitt family and shared many wonderful times together. In fact, my husband, JB and Reinnie Leavitt have sung Gospel music for a long time. This connection created the opportunity for me at Leavitt’s.

I have a background in business management.

JB and I are proud parents of three children; Brad, Jordan and Moriah. During my free time I enjoy spending time with our  granddaughters, gardening, and crafting.

Rachael Strong

Cremation Coordinator
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Rachael@leavittfuneralhome.com

I have the pleasure of serving families as the Cremation Coordinator for Leavitt Funeral Services and Crematory.

While every day is busy for me, there’s not one day that is exactly like another. My job is unique just like those we serve.

I began my career in early 2022 with Leavitt’s as a part-time intern. The training and experience I had allowed me to assume a full-time position serving as the Cremation Coordinator. I love the many purposes I serve at Leavitt’s and enjoy assisting families prepare the best way for them to honor their loved one. I take extra care to explore the suitable options for each family to remember and uniquely celebrate their loved one so they too, rest in peace.

My husband, Jeff, and I live in Parkersburg. We share our home with wonderful fur babies – Beans, Nuni, Zelda, Moe, Spunkie, and Daisy.

I earned my Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University at Parkersburg which has allowed me to put my best skill sets to work alongside families in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

As for my hobbies and cherished moments, I would have to say hiking, traveling, caring for my animals, and playing board games with my husband.

At the end of each workday, I find peace knowing I have sincerely and caringly helped families during a very difficult time in their lives when honoring their loved ones.

Karen Willey

Preneed Administrator
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With Us Since 2008
karen@leavittfuneralhome.com

I’ve been with Leavitt Funeral Home for nineteen years. I serve as the pre-need administrator for our company. We believe planning ahead for anyone is a gift to those they leave behind. While it might not always be the most favorite thing for someone to do, it does make a big difference for those they leave behind. We see this every day in our business. Being there to help facilitate the details of a pre-need plan is something I personally love to do. There are lots of details and a good bit of management that goes along with each pre-need.

As you can imagine administrative side of managing these important plans are key and critical to the execution of them. Having my associates degree in business management has been a huge help in understanding the organization and set up of all planning we do.

I’ve always wanted to be of service to others or help them in their time of need. Working at Leavitt’s allows me to do just that, every day.

I’m a proud native of Parkersburg, WV and have been married to my husband, Mike for 35 years. We have two children: Kimberly and Dustin. In my spare time, I love to cook, bake, sing, read and spend time with my family.

Eric R. Koski

Pre-Arrangement Advisor
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With Us Since 2013
eric@leavittfuneralhome.com

Some believe opportunities happen by chance, others believe that God directs the course of our lives. After Managing Skilled Nursing facilities for 13 years, I lost my father to cancer, and within a year and a half lost my dear aunt and mother as well. The experience of those losses along with the proposed opportunity to work with Leavitt Funeral Home seemed like a good fit. It wasn’t until I started with Leavitt, that I realized I had discovered a career that I was passionate about; a true calling in a sense. I’ve been with Leavitt’s for since 2013.

I truly enjoy meeting and advising the many people I serve through Leavitt Funeral Home, helping them realize the importance and value of advance funeral and cremation planning.

As for my education, I received my Bachelor of Science in Health, Long‐term Health Care Administration from Ohio University in 1996. I have since received my Gerontology Certificate, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Certificates and I’m a Licensed Insurance Agent. I’ve been fortunate to receive the Homesteaders Life Advance planning Leaders Conference Achievement Award every year since 2015.

I live in Belpre, Ohio and have one daughter, Emily and two grandchildren, Remi and Maddox.

When I’m not working, I enjoy all sports, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, traveling, & spending time at our family cabin in Northern Minnesota.

Sue Christman

Aftercare Support
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sue@leavittfuneralhome.com

 

Dawn Smith-Hall

Family Administrator- Belpre Location
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Links Elmendorf Leavitt

~ Grief Therapy Dog ~
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