Donald G. "Pappy" Leiker

Donald G. “Pappy” Leiker

Donald G. “Pappy” Leiker, 72, Hays, formerly of Victoria, died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the Ellis Good Samaritan Society.

He was born July 27, 1945 in Munjor, Kansas the son of Irenus “Shorty” and Alma (Jacobs) Leiker.  He graduated from Hays High School in 1963, and in 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy serving his country during the Vietnam War.  Pappy was united in marriage to Rose Marie “Rosie” Billinger on May 31, 1971 at St. Fidelis Catholic Church in Victoria, and they celebrated 34 years of marriage until she preceded him in death on October 23, 2005.  He worked in the paint department at Oldham Sales for over 44 years, retiring in 2013.  He and Rosie managed the Victoria VFW hall, he was a member of the Victoria VFW Post 1751 and The Basilica of St. Fidelis.  Pappy was a proud Navy veteran, enjoyed vegetable gardening, and was a fan of the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, and KU Jayhawks.  He enjoyed hunting, spending time with friends, and his greatest joys came when fishing and being with his family.

Survivors include one son; Joe Leiker and wife Jenny of Hays, one daughter; Melissa Miller and husband Cliff of Ellis, two brothers; Allen Leiker and wife Judy of Hays, Dave Leiker and wife Jean of Munjor, two sisters; Diane Wellbrock and husband Wayne of Victoria, and Kathleen Dick and husband Mike of Russell, and two grandchildren; Lydia Downing and Parker Dixon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rosie, and a granddaughter Natasha Leiker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Monday, July 30, 2018 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, 900 Cathedral, Victoria, with Fr. John Schmeidler officiating.  Burial with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Detail and the Hays VFW Honor Guard will follow in the St. Fidelis Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Sunday and from 8:30 am until 9:30 on Monday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.  A combined rosary and vigil service will be at 7:00 pm on Sunday at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to Hospice of HaysMed, the Ellis Good Samaritan Society for the purchase of an automatic door leading to the rose garden, or for masses, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and memories of Pappy may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com     

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