Search by Name

Search by Name

Charles Neil "Chuck" Leary

1934 - 2014

Charles Neil "Chuck" Leary obituary, 1934-2014, Keyser, WV

Charles Leary Obituary

Charles Neil (Chuck) Leary
July 23, 1934 - February 24, 2014
Charles N. Leary formerly of Keyser, WV passed at age 79.
To all who knew him in Keyser he was Neil Leary and was a star athlete on the Tornado's basketball team under Coach John Shelton. At 6'6" his senior year of 1952, he set school records for "Most Points Scored in a Game" and "Most Points Scored in a Season". This record would hold for ten years until 1962. Neil left Keyser after joining the Air Force in 1952.
In 1960 Neil went through the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy and upon completion began a long career in Law Enforcement. Over the span of forty plus years, Neil built an impressive resume including holding several Chief of Police positions serving in: Pasco, WA; Urbana, IL; Lee's Summit, MO; Lake Winnebago, MO; and Osage Beach, MO. Neil also served on the Montebello, CA police force as well as in South Lake Tahoe, CA where he was a charter member. In the path of career advancement, Neil took a position as Assistant Commissioner, Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control for the State of Oklahoma. In addition, Neil was honored when he was selected to serve as Senior Law Enforcement Advisor in assisting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the development and implementation of a National Highway Patrol Department.
After retirement from Law Enforcement, Neil took on his second career becoming a Professor/Adjunct Professor teaching Criminal Justice for several colleges both on campus and online until his passing. Neil received his Bachelor's Degree with a major in Law Enforcement Administration and minor in Psychology from Western Illinois University. He continued his education by earning a Master's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Central Missouri State University. Neil lived his life and taught others with inspiration from his motto: "The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water and breeds reptiles of the mind" (Blake, Proverbs of Hell).
Neil was a Life Member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), a member of Alpha Omega (1974-75), and Phi Kappa Phi (1980). He was also honored to be a part of the South Lake Tahoe Olympics in 1960 and truly enjoyed personally getting to know many of the participating athletes.
Charles Neil (Chuck) Leary was the son of Charles E. (Cricket) & Margaret Leary, Keyser and has joined his sisters Bertha Deloris (Dotty) Leary/Gabbard and June Ellen Leary/Mantecon in his passing. He is survived by: daughter Kelli J. Leary/Cowin, her husband David, and two grandchildren Zack & Jodi of Coulee City, WA; his brother Lewis (Jack) Leary and wife Janine of San Diego, CA; his sister Hattie E. (Betty) Leary/Schimpf of Glenn Dale, MD; and his former wife Kathi J. Leary of Port Angeles, WA.
Neil was very close with his nephew Brian Leary, his wife Stephanie and their children Courtney, Brandon and Kyannah. Brian wrote upon his Uncle Neil's death: "He was a big influence on my decision to join the Army and specifically the Military Police Corp, carrying on the Law Enforcement background of the family. I've always strove to be the better man and do the right thing, as well as develop myself into a professional because of his mentorship. I love him and miss him already." This sentiment has been expressed by many others and Neil would be proud to know he had made a positive difference in the life of others, especially his loved ones.
Neil will be remembered by the hundreds of friends and police officers who served under his command and the many policies instituted as Chief of Police. His greatest joy was always his family, specifically his grandchildren who were the light of his life and making a difference in the lives of the students he taught. Before Neil's passing, he had expressed intent to donate to his local small town all volunteer fire department. The firefighters and paramedics over the course of a year and a half had come to his rescue on several occasions, scooping him up and transporting him to local hospitals. In honor of Neil, the family is requesting donations be sent in memory of Charles Neil Leary to the Coulee City Fire Department, PO Box 398, Coulee City, WA 99115. No formal funeral services will be held due to the fact most family and friends are spread out across the country. Instead, please take a moment to salute this fallen Irishman with a loving thought or happy memory to just let him know how very much he was loved and appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Mineral Daily News-Tribune from Mar. 7 to Mar. 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Leary

Not sure what to say?





Gary Williams

March 1, 2022

Another year has passed and have thought of my friend often and how much he guides my decisions in life. There are not many who have had this amount of influence in my life. I miss you my dear friend and mentor.

Gary Williams

March 1, 2021

Hard to believe Chuck has been gone for seven years. Time seems to pass more quickly with each passing year. Chuck will always be remembered and respected by all who knew and loved him. I think Chuck left his mark on everyone who knew him , and always for the better. Rest in peace my dear friend.

jack leary

March 1, 2020

It's been rough from time to time, remembering things we said & did. But you were a great brother & mentor.

Jack Leary

March 1, 2019

Five years since passing doesn't seem like a long time, but when you miss your big brother every day it hurts. I miss most our calls about sports, especially & W. Va. Football & Basketball. I pray he's having fun in heaven with our dad !!!

Gary Williams

March 1, 2019

Charles
I think of you often and always strive to make you proud. I couldn't have made the accomplishments i have without your guidance and friendship. You were and are an inspiration to all that knew you. I can never thank you enough.
Gary

Gary Williams

July 8, 2017

Chuck was my mentor and took me under his wing as he did many of his students. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. I learned so much from him and strived to always make him proud by carrying on the honor and traditions he instilled in me. Chuck was a true friend to me and i am sure to many others. Chuck made a difference in this world that not many can claim. Being humble he wouldn't say so but his legacy will live on thru those he touched. I miss you my friend.
Gary W. Williams
[email protected]

March 12, 2014

May Chuck, R I P !!

March 7, 2014

Our weekly phone calls on what was happening. Always pointing out to me my misspelled words.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Charles Leary's name

Memorial Events
for Charles Leary

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Charles Leary's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more