Jon Leeka

Jon Richard Leeka, 71, passed away from this life on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Springfield, Missouri.

He was born on July 25th, 1954, in Joplin, Missouri to Wayne and Theda Leeka. He served in the United States Navy from 1973 to 1977. After serving in the Navy, he attended Meramec Community College where he earned an associate's degree in music education with his primary instrument as piano.

Jon's love of music was a part of his daily life. He was a tremendous guitar player and sang beautifully. He continued to sing in the choir at Cherry Street Baptist Church until his final day. Many Leeka family gatherings were centered on music and Jon was always at the heart of the room, either playing guitar or piano or singing a song. Music was always very comforting for him, and he passed that love of music to all of his children and grandchildren.

He was also a giving man, willing to give the literal shirt off his back to anyone in need. Many have been moved by the kindness in his heart. If you met Jon, then you were prayed for. He was a Godly man that prayed for all the family and friends in his life every single day. He prayed daily to pass into heaven to meet his parents, and his prayers were graciously answered when he passed peacefully in his sleep.

He is survived by his five children, son Jacob Leeka and wife Karen of Springfield, Missouri, daughter Julia Miranda and partner Joe Robinson of St. Louis, Missouri, son Jon Wayne Leeka of San Antonio, Texas, daughter Theda Mei Leeka of San Antonio, Texas and son Jeff Richard Leeka of San Antonio, Texas; his loving grandchildren, granddaughter Emma Louise Leeka of Springfield, Missouri, granddaughter Journey Robinson of St. Louis, Missouri and grandson Jojo Robinson of St. Louis, Missouri. His grandchildren brought him great joy and happiness in his life.

He is also survived by sister Nancy Vaughn Worley of Keystone Heights, Florida, sister Jan Allen of Johnson City, Tennessee, brother Jeff Leeka and wife Joanne of San Antonio, Texas, sister Jane Fruin and husband Mike of Eugene, Oregon, sister Jill Padua and husband Tenares of Estero, Florida and sister Joan Leeka Mahan of Denver, Colorado; an aunt Debbie Goodale and husband Rick of Springfield, Missouri; many nieces and nephews that he loved and cherished.

"I patched up your broken wing and hung around for a while, but I'd rather see you up than to see you down. Leave me if you need to, I will still remember, angel flying too close to the ground."

Willie Nelson – Jon's favorite song by his favorite singer.

Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up Jon Richard Leeka today,

With few answers, far more questions, is there more to say?

Except that You, Maker of all, please carry these great loads,

And ease all tense foreboding fear, as life each day unfolds.

And to his family, may I add, a special note of calm,

To turn toward a favorite verse, it is our belov'd Psalm.

Number 62, written on my heart, it cannot be mistaken,

You're my rock and my salvation, and I will not be shaken.

Prayer for Jon by his brother, Jeff Leeka

A celebration of life will be held on a future date for family and friends to tell stories and play music, exactly what Jon would want to do if he were still with us.