George W. Leka, Jr.

George was born on June 12, 1928, in Illiopolis, the son of George and Verna May Leka. He married Niana Kitchen on December 25, 1955. He later married Maria Angelica Fernandez on March 11, 1981, in Mechanicsburg.

George graduated from Tri-City High School in Buffalo, IL. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran. George was a lifelong farmer and retired at the age of 70. He and Maria loved traveling and visited 6 of the 7 continents. He also enjoyed spirited conversation, good food, music, and dancing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria; his parents; brother, Kenneth; and sisters, Georgina, Marvel, and Phyllis.

George is survived by his daughter, Jill Leka of Springfield; sons, Randall (Tonya) Leka, and Kelly (Kathy) Leka, both of Buffalo; stepson, Mark Slavens of Dayton, OH; grandchildren, Nicolette Baccadutre, Patrick, Candice, and Dalton Leka; step-granddaughters, Theresa Cyatt-Larson and Jenna Slavens; and great-grandchildren, Augustus, Karter, and Quinn.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:15 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Fountain of Life United Methodist Church, 302 South St., Buffalo, IL 62515. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Darrin Thurman officiating.

Burial will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in George’s honor to Lincoln Land Community College Foundation, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield, IL 62794-9982, for those pursuing a degree in agriculture; or Tri-City High School, 364 W. Charles St., Buffalo, IL 62515, for the agricultural program.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.