Katherine Segars LeVeque

LeVeque Katherine Segars LeVeque, 87, died peacefully at her family home in Galena, Ohio, on April 9, 2014. Katherine, daughter of Katherine (McDonald) and Colin Segars, was born and raised in Hartsville, SC. She attended Coker College and the Art Students League in New York City. While in New York she met Frederick Will LeVeque. They married in 1949 and raised a family of five children on their farm in Galena. Katherine was a dedicated community volunteer, participating in Twig 3 for Children's Hospital, The Little Garden Club of Columbus, The Daughters of the Confederacy, and the women's board for the Columbus Museum of Art. She loved sports, was an avid swimmer and played in both the USTA and GCTA tennis leagues. She was a member of Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club where she played platform tennis. Following her husband's sudden death in 1975, Katherine, remarkably, continued her husband's endeavors for Columbus. She acquired the LeVeque Tower in 1977, fulfilling his lifelong dream. She went on to complete her vision of a vibrant downtown environment by joint venturing the development of One Columbus at the corners of Broad and High Streets and was committed to the promotion of downtown living. Perhaps her greatest legacy in Columbus will be her passionate dedication to the renovation of the Palace Theatre. When she learned of its imminent demise to create more parking, Katherine fervently fought to save the theatre, funded the project by herself, and could even be spotted personally polishing the beautiful, brass entry doors. She owned and managed the theatre until its gift and donation to the City of Columbus and CAPA. In 1996, the Katherine S. LeVeque lobby of the Palace Theatre was named in her honor. Her commitment to the growth and enhancement of Columbus led her to hold leadership positions with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and the Boy and Girl Scouts of America. She was also on the boards of the Columbus College of Art and Design, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Columbus Center of Science and Industry, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Lutheran Social Services, OSU University Foundation, the campaign board of Ohio Cancer Research, United Way of Franklin County, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Columbus, and Worthington Industries. She was much beloved by her community and was bestowed many prestigious awards for her dedication. She received an honorary degree from Franklin University, the Pacesetters Executive Award, the National Society to Prevent Blindness - People of Vision Award, the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, the Business First Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, CEO magazine Business Hall of Fame, and the YWCA Capital Women of Distinction Award. Her philanthropic philosophy is best captured in her own words from a time capsule implanted in the cornerstone of One Columbus, "The city is booming, and our future is bright. We're a city of caring people, and we care about our future." Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband Frederick Will LeVeque, daughter Katherine "Katie" Plew LeVeque and brother Mac Segars. Katherine will be dearly missed by her children, Les LeVeque (Daniella Dooling), Fred LeVeque, Colin LeVeque (Barbara) and Bonnie Moore (David); grandchildren, Claire LeVeque, Felix LeVeque, John Jackson, Mac Jackson, Caroline Jackson, Frederick Jackson, Katie Plew, Jimmy Plew, Brie LeVeque, Colin LeVeque Jr, Stephanie LeVeque, Elise McDaniel, Elizabeth Moore, Anna Moore, Rebecca Moore, Alexis Kirk, William Kirk and Cameron Kirk; great grandchildren, Cole, Peyton, Dixielynn, Oliver and Avery; and sister-in-law, Jackie Segars. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Rd., Westerville, OH with Rev. Dr. Richard D. Ellsworth officiating. A reception will immediately follow in Ballard Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Katherine's memory be made to CAPA, 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH, 43215. (www.capa.com) or Alzheimer's Association. of Central Ohio, 1379 Dublin Rd., Columbus, OH, 43215 (www.alz.org/centralohio). Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL. To share a condolence of memory, please visit www.schoedinger.com.