Leo Lawrence Leeder

December 17, 1922 ~ August 6, 2013

Dr. Leo L. “Lee” Leeder, Ph.D., age 90, died early Monday morning, August 6th, 2013, at home in Las Vegas, NV. He was born December 17, 1922, in Evansville, WI, the son of Archie and Sarah (Norum) Leeder. He married Mildred Sorensen on March 10, 1945 in St. Paul, MN. She preceded him in death on April 26, 2013. Mr. Leeder served in the United States Naval Reserve starting in 1942 as a Hospital Corpsman. During his time of service he was assigned to Naval Hospitals in San Diego and Honolulu. He also was involved in combat on the island of Tarawa, for which his unit received a Presidential Citation. After the war he attended Bethel Bible College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology. He then became a missionary with Far Eastern Gospel Crusade (later known as SEND International) from 1949 – 1970. He had served in the Philippines, Cambodia, and Taiwan. He earned two Master’s Degrees and a Ph.D , took special courses in Family Therapy in Pastoral Ministry and Crisis Counseling, and was certified by the State of California as a Counselor in Drug and Alcohol Abuse. He spent the rest of his career as a Christian Pastor-Counselor. He was employed in various capacities as an Executive Pastor, Christian Education Consultant, and provider of Pastoral Care and Counseling at such places as Calvary Church of Santa Ana, CA; David C. Cook Publishing Co.; South Coast Community Church, Irvine, CA; Cole Community Church, Boise, ID; and North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lakes, FL.

Survivors include 4 children: Daniel Leeder of Columbia, SC; Richard (Rebecca) Leeder of Hot Springs, AR; Gary (Leslie) Leeder of Las Vegas, NV; Leo “Chip” (Anette) Leeder, Jr. of Traverse City, MI; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, and 2 sisters. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 3 grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Cheyenne Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.