Walter A. Leak Obituary (1922 - 2019)

Virden - Walter A. Leak 97, of Virden, IL, passed away Saturday December 14, 2019 at Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Virden, IL. Walter Leak was born on September 21, 1922 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Corba and Ufa (Miller) Leak. The family, including Walter's two-year old sister, moved to Fort Scott due to the river flooding their home in Naples, IL. While still a small infant the family moved back to Illinois and settled in Naples and other farming communities. He attended a one room school house in the Waverly area. Walter entered the United States Army in January, 1943. He was awarded several medals including a Purple Heart as he was shot in Nuremburg, Germany and left for dead until advancing troops saw him wave his bayonet. He was rescued by U.S. Medics. He was in the Walter Reed Medical Center for many months. In December of 1945, he married Irmadell Radford in Pocahontas, Arkansas. The newly- weds made their home with her parents, John and Emily Radford, in Thayer, IL. Walter and Irmadell were married for 65 years and enjoyed the home where Irmadell was born. Walt worked for Sangamo Electric for 40 years and then worked in Chicago for his nephew as a radio announcer for WXJOY. He and Irmadell loved this work and they lived on the 76th floor of the John Hancock skyscraper. After this he worked at Dickey-John's in Auburn, IL as a Security Guard. Throughout his life he had a love for music, life and friends. He is a member of the Thayer Methodist Church. Walter was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Surviving is his sister, Lucille Butterfus of St. George, Utah (age 99); nephews/nieces Wanda Copelin of Virden, Norm, John and Phillip Radford, Jim and Bob Butterfus, Rita Burnheimer, Greg Evans and his nearby cousin, Don Reno of Medora, IL and several more nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all for his sunny disposition and friendliness to everyone! Visitation will be from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday December 18, 2019 at Thayer United Methodist Church Thayer, IL. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday with Rev. Charles Kurfman and Pastor Herb Ireland officiating. Lula Hampleman will be the organist. Burial will be in West Cemetery Thayer, IL. Memorials may be made to: Thayer United Methodist Church.