William A. Leake | ||
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| William A. Leake
1919-2009 William Alfred “Bill” Leake, 90, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Bill was born March 22, 1919 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Claudius F. and Lucy Katherine (Morrison) Leake. He graduated from Lafayette High School and from St. Joseph Junior College with a degree in Pre-Engineering. Bill attended Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Rolla, graduating in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. That same year he was employed by the Missouri State Highway Department and worked as a Resident Engineer in Tarkio and St. Joseph, supervising numerous road and bridge projects. He retired in 1981 after 33 years of service. Bill completed two tours of duty in the Army. He was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II, receiving three Bronze Stars and several other medals. During the Korean Conflict he served stateside. Bill and Jennie Lorraine Sharp wed on April 28, 1942, and were married for 57 years until Jennie’s passing on May 9, 1999. Bill enjoyed woodworking, bowling and square dancing. He was known for his quick, sharp wit and great sense of humor, and he loved to whistle. His parents and brothers, George, Leslie, and John Leake, also preceded Bill in death. Bill is survived by his son, William Michael Leake, Bloomington, Indiana; daughters, Diane Strahm, St. Joseph, and Linda Sue Leake, Raytown, Missouri; and three grandchildren, Sara Strahm (husband, Kyle Langlands), Leah Strahm (Matthew Wiacek), and Kyle Strahm (Eve Englezos). Mr. Leake has been cremated. No visitation is scheduled. At a later date, a family memorial will be conducted, with full military honors, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, where he will be laid to rest. The family suggests memorials to the Army Wounded Warrior Program, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20012. Arrangements have been entrusted to Breit-Hawkins & Gladden Funeral Home, Savannah, Missouri. | ||
