Kenneth P. “Ken” Leiker, 75, Hays, died Monday, March 15, 2021, at HaysMed.
He was born October 20, 1945, in Hays, the son of Leo A. and Angela (Klaus) Leiker. On May 8, 1965, he was united in marriage to Darlene Agnes Lang in Victoria, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the St. Anthony Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #4166. Ken was an oilfield technician and for 36 years worked for Knighton Oil Company and then worked for Hertel Contract Pumping. He was a weather spotter, enjoyed farming and raising cattle, had a gentle nature with all God’s creation, and was a patient man. He was an excellent chef and liked German food and baking pies. Ken was a talented woodworker and craftsman, enjoyed working with leather, and would say he was a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. His family was special to him, and he loved the fun times he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Darlene of Hays, a son: Troy Leiker of House Springs, MO, a daughter: Connie Werth and husband Vincent Werth, Jr. of Hays, three brothers: LaVern Leiker of Great Bent, Reinhold “Ronnie” Leiker and wife Diana of Hays, and Art Leiker and wife Marilyn of Hays, two sisters: Erma Dinges and husband Jim and Norine Leiker, all of Hays, three grandchildren: RaeLynn Werth, Cheyenna Leiker, and Chance Leiker, two great grandchildren: Emma Rose and Aliza Jane Leiker, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Herbert and Erwin “Erv” Leiker.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Hays, with Fr. Brian Lager officiating. Burial will follow in St. Fidelis Cemetery, Victoria. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 6:00 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested and payable to: Hospice of HaysMed, the Cancer Council of Ellis County, or for masses. Condolences and memories of Ken may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com