Paul Leeke

1932 - 2025

Paul Duane Leeke passed away September 10, 2025, surrounded by his children Susan, Steve, John and his wife Karen.
Paul was born in Jackson, MI on October 17, 1932.His parents were David Leeke and Anna Moore Leeke.His siblings were Robert (deceased), David (deceased) and Marlene Leeke Cunningham.
Paul was a child with endless curiosity and growing up in the family hardware store provided many opportunities to explore why things worked and how to fix those that didn't. The store was a perfect place for a budding engineer.
Paul attended Michigan State receivinga BSEE in 1955 where he was a member of Delta Chi, Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Beta Phi. He received his Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington University in 1962. He was employed by the Federal Government 1955-1962. Paul served in the United States Air Force during 1956-1957 and remained in the Reserves until honorably discharged as a Captain in 1975.
While engineering became his life's work, music was a constant.He participated in high school and college choirs, glee clubs and theater. He sang in church choirs.While in DC he had the lead in South Pacific and there he met his future wife, Joan Carolyn Donovan. They married February 28, 1959 and had two children, Susan and Steve, before leaving for California and a job with 3M.
One of the California assignments was to make it possible for Bing Crosby to play golf on Sunday afternoons instead of doing a live radio show. Paul and his team taped the live program days ahead of Sunday and devised a method wherein it could be transmitted over the radio at the normally scheduled time. Success. Another Californiasuccess was the birth of their third child, John.
The next move took the family to 3M's home office in St. Paul, MN. Back to snow, winter tires and snow mobiles. While there Paul created a program for 3M to Evaluate Excellence throughout the company and received one of 3M's top awards.
The final 3M move for Paul and Joan was in 1984 to Austin, TX.For Paul it was back to the land of sunshine and no snowblowers. It was another opportunity to manage a 3M acquisition. This made Paul a part of 3M's major move to Austin and his last office was in the 3M building at 2222 and 360.
Before moving to Austin, Joan was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away in 1990.No matter where they lived they found a church home and were active parishioners. Paul held leadership roles and sang in the choirs while Joan was active in the Women's groups. The church was always the central part of their lives.
In 1994 Paul met Karen Koyen Jeffrey, another Midwest transplant, a Methodist and a Symphony season ticket holder. They married September 17, 1995.They both were active in many philanthropic, civic and educational activities.Paul continued his love of music and was honored by the Austin Symphony by serving as King Brio LVII in 2023.
Over the years Paul spent many hours building and flying radio controlled airplanes but it was always his dream to become a real pilot. Karen gave him his first flying lessons as a Christmas present. He received his pilot license and went on to get his instrument rating. The later rating allowed him to do Angel Flights which meant flying patients from wherever they were located to major hospitals for treatment.He flew these missions until he was 85.
Paul was a leader, a giver, a lifetime learner, a teacher and a wonderful friend.
Surviving Paul are his wife, Karen Leeke; his children, Susan Leeke Burkett (David), Steven Leeke (Lori), John Leeke (Diana) and his sister Marlene Leeke Cunningham.He is survived by six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
There are so many the family would like to thank for being a part of his life. You all helped make it wonderful.We would especially like to thank his many caregivers and all those from Hospice Austin. You folks are really special.
A Celebration of Paul's life will be Friday, October 24, 2025 at Bethany Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin at 11:00 a.m..A reception will be held at the church following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be given to Hospice Austin, The Austin Symphony or the charity of your choice.