William Edward Leake

William Edward Leake a life long resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Wednesday April 13, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years one month and seven days. Bill was born on March 6, 1933 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. He was the son of Ora Leonard and Veda Marie (Brisbin) Leake. Bill grew up in Cleveland where he began grade school. He later graduated from Cleveland High School with the Class of 1952. During his time in school Bill was an active part of the basketball team where he excelled. On June 28, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life Opal I. Peterman. Following their marriage Bill was drafted into the service of his country during the Korean War on May 13, 1953. Bill was initially stationed at Camp Roberts with the 7th Armored Division in California. After the completion of his basic training Bill joined forces in Korea where he remained until his honorable discharge on April 29, 1955. During Billís time in the U.S. Army he earned the following decorations: Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He then returned to Cleveland, Oklahoma. He soon gained employment with the Carnation Milk Company. He was the local milk man in Tulsa for many years. Following a change in buying habits his route was later dissolved. Bill then began driving a tanker truck collecting milk from dairies. Bill drove routes that took him to Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas as well as Oklahoma. Bill was employed with Carnation for over 21 years when they closed the operation. He then walked across the street and accepted employment with Meadow Gold Milk. Bill continued working for Meadow Gold until his retirement in 1991. Bill loved to go fishing, hunting, driving his tractor, cooking, traveling in their RV or anything that had to be done outside. He and Opal have traveled to many places including Yellowstone National Park, Colorado, Missouri and Arkansas. One of his favorite places to go was to Skiatook Lake which he and Opal would frequent. Billís family even coaxed him into boarding an airplane when they went to Disney World. Bill is described as a selfless individual; always willing to help others in any way possible. He has been a member of the First Christian Church since 1947. Survivors are his loving wife of nearly 59 years Opal of the home, one daughter Brenda Koss and her husband James of Cleveland, Oklahoma; brothers Leonard Leake, Jr. and his wife Ramona of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Corky Leake and Lillian of Cleveland, Oklahoma, one grandson Brandon Sloan and his wife Kelli of Sand Springs, Oklahoma as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Veda Marie Leake and his father Ora Leonard Leake.