Clarence Andrew Leis

Clarence Andrew Leis, 90, passed away on February 13, 2022, at his home in Rogers. He was born in Minneola, Kan., on February 6, 1932, to the late Andrew and Rosa Cecilia (Elpers) Leis. He grew up on the family farm being self-taught to play the piano, violin, and banjo. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy being stationed in Guam. After serving in the Navy, he started working in retail with McLellan's Department Store in Dodge City, Kan., and then transferred to Prior OK and then manager at Vinita OK. Sam Walton hired him to manage their Ben Franklin store in Coffeyville, Kan. Sam later transferred him to the first Walmart store in Rogers, Ark., in 1963 as the second manager until 1975, when he became a district manager, then Divisional VP of Merchandising and later managed the Walmart Associate store. He retired with 28 years of service with Walmart. He worked with St. Vincent de Paul Catholic youth 25 years. He was awarded the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" award from Pope John Paul II in 1984. He was ordained as a deacon in 1993 for St. Vincent de Paul, working with homebound and hospital ministry. He served as Pastoral Administrator at St. Raphael in Springdale. He served on the boards for the State Catholic Youth, Our Farm and Poplar House in Rogers. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn Finkeldei, Ivan Leis, Claude Leis, Genevieve Leis, Florence Busch, Don Leis. and Bill Leis. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty (Marrs) Leis; children, Dr. Dan Leis (Katy) of Rogers, Gary Leis (Pedro) of Rogers, Jim Leis (Janie) of Rogers, Theresa Brauburger (Ted) of Bella Vista, and Greg Leis of Rogers; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild. A Rosary and visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, from 4-6 with Rosary starting at 4 p.m. in Rollins Funeral Home Chapel followed by visitation. A Memorial Mass will be Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Rogers. Livestream viewing of the Memorial Mass can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/SVDPRogers/live_videos In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the building fund at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com