Anthony Elmer Leeker Jr.

Anthony Elmer Leeker, Jr. was born on March 19, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri to Myrtle and Anthony Elmer Leeker, Sr. He had two older sisters, twins, Doris and Dorothy. Elmer graduated from South Side Catholic High School in 1946. He was active in many activities but excelled at sports. He participated in track, baseball, football and was deemed most valuable player in basketball. He went on to play basketball at Missouri State University. Elmer also attended Concordia Turners, where he met Doris Peche who would later become his wife. Doris’ parents started the So Good Potato Chip Company when she was young and Elmer eventually joined their company. After many years, he became president of the company and remained there until his retirement. Doris and Elmer married on April 11,1950 and had five children; Suzette, David, Bill, Leslie and Jason. As you can only imagine, their life was filled with lots of activity, schedules, many skinned knees, much spilled milk and tons of love, fun and happiness. Elmer was a good husband and a very involved father from the very beginning. He enjoyed his kids immensely and was constantly teaching them something new~ from how to ride a bike, catch a fish, play a sport, use a tool or solve a math problem and everything in between. He was extremely patient, kind and loving and would also teach his children the values of honesty, respect and how to treat others. A better father you would not find. Elmer was a friend to all~ always kind, giving and full of fun! Some of his activities included attending the Missouri Athletic Club, dance lessons with friends, bridge, fishing, hunting and golf. How he loved golf! In fact, starting at age 78, Elmer shot his age or better, every year, including four years ago at age 91. His later years were spent with his wife, on their beloved island of Abaco, in the Bahamas, where they owned a second home. Elmer peacefully passed at home on December 15, 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Suzette Leeker, his son, William “Bill” Leeker (Linda), his son in law, Richard “Murph” Murphy. Four of his grandchildren also survive him; Ryan Carlstrom (Melissa), Katie Watters, Angie Dunlap (Mark) and William “Will” Leeker. Ten great grandchildren survived him as well; Josh and Gabe Carlstrom, Jacklyn Dickey, Samantha and Sydney Marzlo, Kaidan Watters and Winston, Ella, Maddox and Shepard Dunlap. Elmer was preceded in death by his two sons, David and Jason Leeker, his youngest daughter, Leslie Murphy (Murph) and his oldest grandchild, Carie Dickey. No public viewing or service will be scheduled~ only a private family time. In lieu of flowers, we would greatly appreciate a memorial donation to St. Louis Shriners Children’s Hospital

Anthony Elmer Leeker Jr.

March 19, 1928 - December 15, 2023