Leon Roy Reinke, 85, went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2018. He was born on January 2, 1933 in Custer County, Oklahoma, to Arthur and Olga Reinke. He grew up attending the Arapahoe and Custer schools, and Graduated from Custer High School. Leon played basketball and baseball growing up, and came from a family of farmers. After high school, he spent 1 year at Central State College, then left to enlist in the United States Air Force. He was sent over to the northern island of Hokkido, Japan, right after the Korean War, and worked in the mountains as an air traffic controller, and lived there in a mobile trailer. He was honorably discharged after 4 years, and came back to Oklahoma to complete his college degree. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Math and Physics from Central State College, now The University of Central Oklahoma.
He met his wife, Glenda, at a church singles group, and they were married on September 25, 1959. They had 2 children, David and Chris. They lived in Del City for 60 years together, and were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Midwest City for over 50 years.
Leon had 42 years of service with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation. He worked in the Traffic Studies Department, where he was involved in deciding where roads needed to be built or widened, and also worked on I-40.
Leon absolutely loved Thanksgiving, and every year, all of his sisters, cousins, and family would come over to his home for Thanksgiving and family time. It is only fitting, then, that his memorial service be held the day after Thanksgiving.
Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Olga Reinke. He is survived by his wife, Glenda; 2 sons, David and his wife Desiree, and Chris and his wife Missy; 5 grandchildren, Courtney Elizabeth and her husband Eric, Jared, Drew, Brady, and Reece; 3 sisters, Arlene Heil, Wanda Stiles, and Carol Cole; nephews and nieces that he loved; and many dear friends from church that were like family.
