Leon Rook, age 75, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away May 22, 2011. A celebration of life was held at 10 a.m. June 1 at Langsford Funeral Home, Lee's Summit, Missouri, with burial following in Lee's Summit Historical Cemetery. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. May 31 at the funeral home.
Leon was born August 17, 1935 in Greenfield, Missouri. He graduated from Jasper, Missouri, High School in 1953 and served two years in the U.S. Navy. He earned his B.S. degree from S.M.S., Masters from M.U., and Specialist from C.M.S.U. He was a business teacher for three years in Butler, Missouri, and 33 years at Lee's Summit High School.
Leon married the love of his life, Regena (DD), in August, 1969. He was a very generous, caring, and nurturing man to his family that he so dearly loved. He had countless friends. He so enjoyed riding his Harley with his grandson, Chad, and their many motorcycle friends. He also enjoyed a number of years of golf, most recently playing in the Sr. Golf League and taking many golfing trips with his son Bruce. Several summers he and daughter, Kim, enjoyed special times together on motorcycle trips. Leon always loved watching grandson Joe play many sports, and he was a huge movie and popcorn fan.
He was a member of the National Business Education Association, Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and the Jacomo Chapter of Retired School Personnel. He was also a life member of the Harley Owners Group with local memberships in teh Greater K.C. and American Heartland Chapters. He was a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alta and Lloyd Rook, three sisters, and one brother.
He is survived by wife, DD, three children, Bruce Rook (Cindy) of Spring, Texas, Kimberly Rook-Young of Lenexa, Kansas, and Michelle Younger (Bill) of Leawood, Kansas; three grandchildren in the Kansas City area, Joe Young, Lindsey Schuman (Josh), and Chad Schmidt; three grandchildren in the Houston area, Jessica Pearson, Katie Pearson, and Jenna Brown (Dylan). Leon was recently blessed with a great grandson, James Schuman. In addition, Leon had nieces and nephews who he loved visiting. He was also very fond of son-in-law Bill's children, Billy and Stephanie and their families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Harvesters, or the charity of your choice. Everyone who knew Leon loved him and will miss him.
Arrangements: Langford Funeral Home
816-524-3700.
The above obituary information was obtained from the 'Kansas City Star.'
My earliest memories of joining the Greater Kansas City H.O.G. Chapter when I moved to the Kansas City area 15 years ago include Leon. He was always friendly, outgoing, and fun to be around. Whenever volunteers were needed for charity rides and other club activities, Leon was always there. When I first met Leon, Chad was a young boy who loved to ride with his grandfather to chapter meetings and events. Chad is grown now and rides his own Harley. At the time of his death, Leon was traveling with the chapter on a ride led by Chad, something he really loved to do.
Leon's many friends will really miss him and will always have fond memories of him. I consider myself very fortunate to be one of those friends.
Stripe
