Donald R. Leakey

Donald R. "Don" Leakey, 77, of Berryton, passed away on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at a Winchester, Kansas care facility.

Don was born October 8, 1944 in Carrolton, Missouri, the son of Ruben and Hattie (Bryant) Leakey. He graduated from Louisburg High School in 1963 and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Emporia State University in 1967. After graduating, he taught high school for five years at Leavenworth High School.

Don was a Marine Corps Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. In 1972, he entered Officers Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia and later in 1973 the Marine Corps Basic School before attending Data Systems Automation Officers School. After graduation, he was transferred to Cherry Point, North Carolina Marine Base to their Systems Engineer Electronic Data Processing Officers. While there, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Rifle Marksman Badge and the Pistol Sharpshooter Badge. Don received an extensive head injury in 1974 and was transferred to temporary disability retired status in 1975.

Don was employed as a Computer Analyst by the Human Resources Department for the State of Kansas for over twenty years before retiring. He was a life-time member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, a life-time member of the American Legion Post No. 250 and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He actively volunteered for the United Way, Let's Help and the KTWU yearly fund drives.

Don was well known in the Berryton Community for his many hours of community service. He received the Legion of Honor Award for being a 25 year member of the Berryton Kiwanis Club. He served as Chairman of several community projects such as paper recycling, food collection, mowing Lynn Creek Cemetery and with the Shawnee County Emergency Management as a Cert member. He also served as past Lieutenant Governor for the Division 11 surrounding area for the Kiwanis.

Don married Dorothea M. "Dot" Lewis on June 20, 1964 in Wea, Kansas. They were married for 58 years. She survives. Other survivors include children, Richard D. Leakey, Cheryl Rockhold, Timothy L. Leakey and Steven C. Leakey, grandchildren, Kyle, Lance, Tyler, Monica, Jacob, Mayria, Brittany, Laramie, Dustin, Makayla, and four great-grandchildren, Alannah, Clarence, Quinn, and Qarsyn.

Don was preceded in death by his sister, Maxine Wood and his brother-in-law, Clarence Lewis killed in Vietnam.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Lynn Creek Cemetery southeast of Topeka. Don will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, 2022 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. where a Rosary will be prayed and follow at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Berryton Kiwanis Club, 4608 SE Oak Bend Dr., Berryton, Kansas 66409 or to the FW Huston Medical Center Foundation, 408 Delaware, Winchester, Kansas 66097.

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