Tyree Keith “T.K.” Leake

July 12, 1925 – April 11, 2015

Tyree Keith “T.K.” Leake, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 11, 2015.

T.K. was born July 12, 1925 to Tyree Harris Leake and Rena Lois Titus. He lived in Orrick, Mo., through high school, then joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 at age 17 with his parents’ permission. He was stationed in the South Pacific during W.W.II and was a Signalman.

Upon returning to Orrick from the war, T.K. met the love of his life, Diana L. Albertson, who he married on Christmas Eve in 1947. Over the next 63 years, they lived in Liberty, Mo., Kansas City North, Mo., Houston, Texas, Lake Waukomis, Mo., Alamo, Texas, and back to Kansas City, Mo. They enjoyed retirement in the Texas Valley in 1984 but love of family brought them back to Kansas City permanently in 1996.

T.K. was baptized and raised in the Baptist faith, taught adult Sunday School, sang in the choir and was an ordained Deacon for many years. He was also a lifetime Mason and member of Ada Lodge # 444 in Orrick.

He began his working career at A.M. Castle Steel but soon moved to the Clorox Company, working for them for 32 years, beginning in the warehouse and ending up as Regional V.P. for the Kansas City area, retiring in October of 1983.

T.K. was preceded in death by his wife in 2010, as well as his parents, sister, Lorna Paulson, and brother, H.A. Leake. T.K. is survived by one daughter, Patricia (Robert) Edwards, one son, Michael K. Leake (Heather Misel), two grandchildren and one great grandchild. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews.

Masonic services will be at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick, followed by visitation from 1 to 2 p.m., with services at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be at South Point Cemetery near Orrick, Mo.

Memorials in his honor may be given to ADA Lodge #444, 325 Floyd Road, Orrick, MO 64077.