Larry Don Leek

Larry Don Leek,74, of Odessa passed away on September 13, 2023. Larry was born in Odessa, TX, to Marilyn and Ernest Leek on August 20, 1949. He was the oldest, tallest, and arguably the meanest of 6 other siblings. He played the role of big brother effortlessly. They all have countless stories of his misadventures, pranks, and shenanigans, but also of his determination, allegiance, and strength.

He went to school in Odessa and graduated from Ector High School in 1967 where he played basketball and went on to play at Sul Ross University. Larry joined the United States Airforce in 1969 and served his country for 8 years working on and repairing F-4 fighter jets.  He dreamed of flying them, but at 6 feet 8 inches, he was simply too tall. After the service, he worked as an ice machine mechanic, then a mail carrier and sorter for the post office. For the last part of his career, he worked as a diesel mechanic for Cemex until he retired in 2002. Larry enjoyed participating in sports such as basketball, bowling, archery, and golf. He had many hobbies and projects throughout his life ranging from amassing an extensive movie collection that he shared with family and friends to making custom golf clubs. He was also involved with B.A.C.A., Bikers Against Child Abuse, and played Santa Claus for the kids during the holidays. He loved to clown around and always had jokes. They were not always good or appropriate ones, but he had them. In his last few years, he liked to go shopping and take the time to go up and down every single aisle. He bought things on sale and in extravagant amounts. That was how he rolled. He also liked to work on updating and remodeling his home even though he consistently received warning notices from the city to stop work immediately because he didn’t have the proper permits which he ignored in his characteristic fashion.

Larry is survived by his two daughters: Lori (& Vester) Hallmark and Lana (& Stephen) Jones, all of Odessa, TX;  two granddaughters: Katrina Hallmark and Kaley Hallmark, three grandsons: Sean Jones, Sheldon Jones, and Sheyne Jones, and four great grandchildren: Kohta, Kenzi, Klaire, & Lyric, all of Odessa, TX;  three brothers: Frank Leek of Odessa, TX, Mike Leek of Monahans, TX, and Terry Leek (& Jim Keck) of Lewisville, TX; and one sister: Jerri Leek of Odessa, TX. He has aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews, and great nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, Marilyn and Ernest Leek, his sister, Cecelia Leek, and his brother, Gary Leek, all of Odessa, TX.

There will be a family visitation at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 PM and a graveside service, also at Sunset, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM.