Dorothy E. Leek

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Dorothy E. Leek, 89, of Fort Scott, died Friday evening, Aug. 31, 2007, at her home. She was born in Bronaugh, Mo., on Aug. 13, 1918 the daughter of Arch B. and Helen L. Couch Gordon.

Dorothy attended Eve and Godfrey elementary schools. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1936. After graduating from high school she took a position at S.H. Kress and Company where she met Wayne Leek. They were married on Feb. 6, 1938, in Fort Scott. Wayne introduced Dorothy to golf and the game of bridge. Dorothy shot two over par the first year she played golf and had a hole-in-one on number seven later in her career. She was also the Ladies Club Champion several times. These two past times, golf and bridge, were the source for developing a network of friendships which exists until this day.

Wayne continued working for the Kress Company until he was drafted into the Army in 1944. He was sent to El Paso, Texas for basic training. Dorothy was able to take Linda and John to El Paso to live until he was sent overseas. She returned to Fort Scott while he was gone and she and the children stayed with their parents. When Wayne came home he returned to the Kress Company until 1947 when his brother decided to open the Leek's Clothing Store in Fort Scott. Wayne and Dorothy brought their family back to Fort Scott and bought a home on Crawford Street. They lived on Crawford Street for over 60 years.

In 1962 Dorothy began a Day Care. She has taken care of dozens of children over the years, treating them as she does her own grandchildren and adopting their parents as her second set of children.

Dorothy was a terrific seamstress and loved making outfits for herself and all the members of her family. She loved doing embroidery, crewel and cross stitch needlework. Her house is filled with her projects and she made many gifts for her friends and family. She loved having her whole family all together and preparing their favorite dishes for them. She was the best hamburger fryer of them all. Just ask any of her grandchildren.

Dorothy and Wayne have enjoyed a truly blessed life. They have been deeply devoted to each other. They have set an example for their children that cannot be surpassed. They have been true and loyal friends to all, always there when they were needed. Dorothy's message to her family and friends is to "Brighten The Corner Where You Are." Dorothy certainly practiced this in her life and will be greatly missed by one and all.

She is survived by her husband; Wayne, of the home, two daughters; Linda Hessong and husband Randy of Fort Scott, and Nancy Lopez and husband Bob of Simi Valley, Calif., three sons; John Leek and wife Jan of Georgetown, Texas, Joe Leek and wife Becky of Pittsburg, Kan., and Jay Leek and wife Julie of Fort Scott, two brothers; Don Gordon of Salona Beach, Calif., and Carl "Pinky" Gordon of Oklahoma City, Okla., 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Allan and Lee Gordon and great grandson; Mark Danzig.

The Rev. Paul Babcock will conduct funeral services for Dorothy Leek at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Fort Scott National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007 at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to either the Endowment Association at the Fort Scott Community College, the First United Methodist Church or the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be sent to or left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, P.O. Box 309, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701. On-line condolences may be e-mailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.