David P. Leiker (Dave), 64, died Monday, April 26 at his home in Wichita.
He was born January 4, 1957 in Victoria to Gilbert P. and Mary Ann (Bieker) Leiker.
He attended both elementary school and high school in Victoria. He was active in sports and received a baseball scholarship to Garden City Junior College.
Dave was employed by several companies in Hays, including Great Guns and Sunflower Electric before relocating to Wichita, where he worked for Boeing 24 years as an electrical engineer and then for Collins Aerospace almost eight years.
Dave made many friends throughout his life who remained close whether they spoke once a week or once every five years. Dave’s many passions in life included barefoot and trick water skiing, golfing and Harley Davidson motorcycle trips across the country.
He also loved sailing, having joined Walnut Valley Sailing Club at El Dorado Lake where he established a second family and took sailing trips to the Bahamas, Virgin Islands and other exciting locations.
In recent years he reconnected with his high school classmates and looked forward to the many get-togethers they had to reminisce of all the good ole days. He was a proud American and patriot, who had an undying love for his country and the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Dave leaves behind a brother Randy (Sherry) Victoria; a sister MaryBeth Fisher (Ernie) Hays; sister-in-law Theresa Leiker, Wichita; nieces and nephews: Lobi Powell (Luke) Alamo, Calif.; Amorie Headrick (Josh) Aurora, Colo.; Matthew Leiker (Jennifer) Hays; Megan Bucher (Marcus) Victoria; Hannah Fisher Hillsboro; Elijah Fisher Phoenix, Ariz.; and his father’s widow, Ann Gustad Leiker, Hays.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom, and his most precious and beloved Yorkshire Terriers, Ozzie and Harriet.
A memorial celebration of life will be held for Wichita-area friends at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15 at the Walnut Valley Sailing Club clubhouse, El Dorado Lake.
A Funeral Mass will be at noon Saturday, May 22 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis, Victoria, followed by a celebration of life at the Victoria VFW Hall. A private inurnment will be later.
Please share memories and condolences at [email protected] or David P Leiker C/O MaryBeth Fisher, 1113 Oakmont St., Hays KS 67601