Alfred J. “Al” Leiker, Jr., 84, Catharine, died Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at his home.
He was born September 25, 1940 in Hays, the son of Alfred J. “A.J.” and Ottilia “Tillie” (Staab) Leiker. Al graduated from Bishop Ward High School in Kansas City in 1958. In 1960, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in active duty until 1964, attaining the rank of Corporal. He was a data processing manager at Koch Industries and retired as a data warehouse manager at Fort Hays State University. Al was very witty, could build almost anything, always kept a large garden, loved dancing and cooking, making the best popcorn and bacon, and was a great baseball and basketball coach.
Survivors include two daughters, Laura Manning of Wichita and Lisa Westmoreland and husband J.B. of Tulsa, OK, a son, Nick Leiker and wife Dianne of Valley Center, a brother, Derald Leiker and wife Carol, two sisters, Joyce Crane and Patricia Vandenberg and husband Harold, seven grandchildren, Mikayla and Isaiah Lewis, Zachariah Westmoreland and wife Brandy, Karis Manning, Kennady Westmoreland, and Randi and Braden Leiker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Alfred J. “Joe” Leiker III, and a brother-in-law, Robert Crane.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 4, 2024 at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, with Pastor Chad Pritchett officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at WaKeeney. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday and from 10:00 am until service time on Friday, all at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Toys for Tots. Condolences and memories of Al may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.