Donald G. Leetch, one of the four co-founders of DaySpring Cards, died Feb. 19. He was 88.

Leetch traveled in evangelistic work for several years, during which time he met Leola, whom became his wife in 1952. Together they founded Norwalk Church of the Nazarene and later Nazarene Christian Day School.

Leetch met fellow minister Dean Kerns in 1960, and from that friendship grew a business and ministry partnership of over 50 years. Together with their wives, they co-founded Outreach Center Church and DaySpring Cards, which they moved from Southern California to Siloam Springs, Ark., in 1979.

In 1987, DaySpring formed a partnership with David C Cook Publishing Co. and became a wholly owned division of Cook Communications Ministries. DaySpring acquired Personal Expressions and the Sunshine boxed card line from Warner Press in 1997. In 1999, Hallmark Cards acquired DaySpring.

Leetch leaves his wife of 61 years, three children Dona Brokke (Dan) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; David Leetch (Vicki) of Siloam Springs; and Deanna Ryan (Dan) of Chan Mai, Thailand; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three nephews; and four nieces.

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