News Summary
Richard ‘Dick’ Leiker, aged 83, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his beloved wife, Lydia. The devoted family man and accomplished professional is remembered for his love of cars, golf, and his strong family ties, leaving behind a legacy of fond memories with his children and grandchildren. His funeral mass is scheduled for August 2, along with a future celebration of life to honor his memory.
Nashville, TN – Richard ‘Dick’ Leiker, aged 83, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, at his home.
Surrounded by his loving wife, Lydia, with whom he shared 30 wonderful years of marriage, Dick Leiker’s journey came to an end after a life filled with family, passion, and accomplishments. His memory is cherished by many, including his children, stepchildren, and 19 beloved grandchildren.
Dick was born on June 21, 1942, in Hays, Kansas, to Richard and Mary (Braun) Leiker. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1960 and later attended Fort Hays State University. Throughout his career, he made his mark in sales, working in both retail and as an executive in the corporate supply sector.
Passions and Interests
Avidly interested in cars, Dick was known for his love of automobiles, taking great pride in keeping them immaculate. He always kept a chamois in the trunk to ensure his vehicles were spotless. Alongside his enthusiasm for cars, Dick had a significant passion for golf, enjoying both playing the sport and collecting golf memorabilia. He often referred to his golf clubs as his “WEAPONS.”
A sports fan, he regularly followed KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football, demonstrating a vibrant zest for life. Dick also had a green thumb, spending ample time in his yard planting flowers and cultivating his garden.
Family and Legacy
Dick is survived by his wife, Lydia (Ralph) Leiker; his children, Gina MacConnell and Ryan Leiker, along with their spouses, Matt and Tamara; and his stepchildren, Catrina Massey, Monica Cohen, and Sonja Price. He also leaves behind his siblings, Doris Ebersole and Robert Leiker, as well as numerous in-laws, friends, caregivers, and two nephews. Dick’s legacy continues through his grandchildren, who fondly remember him with love and humor.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, Robert Ebersole and Steve Ralph.
Services and Memorial
A funeral mass is scheduled for August 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas of Myra Church in Hays, KS. An inurnment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, providing an opportunity for family and friends to honor Dick’s life.
Before the service, a memorial visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:30 AM. Dick’s family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. This organization played a vital role in providing care for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Donations can be sent via their website or directly to Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory at the specified address.
Celebration of Life
In addition to the funeral service, the family plans to organize a celebration of life at a later date, allowing everyone who knew and loved Dick a chance to gather and share their memories.
In this time of grieving, Dick’s family encourages others to rely on their faith for comfort and to cherish the memories that his life has blessed them with. He is remembered not just as a husband, father, and grandfather but as a man who truly embraced life and shared his warmth with those around him.
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Additional Resources
- Hays Post: Richard ‘Dick’ Leiker Obituary
- Wikipedia: Richard Leiker
- Keithley Funeral Chapels: Richard Leiker
- Google Search: Richard Leiker
- Legacy: Richard Leiker Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Richard Leiker
- Legacy: Gayle Ernst Obituary
- Google News: Richard Leiker
Author: HERE Nashville
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