Dr. Francis Gerald Leake

July 26, 1392 - October 25, 2011

Dr. Francis Gerald "Doc" Leake, 79, of North Vernon, IN, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at Norton's Hospital in Louisville, Ky.

He was born in Dant, KY, on July 26, 1932. He was the son of Jimmy and Aline Mattingly Leake, raised by his aunt and uncle, Hood and Gertrude Borders. He married Rose Marie Carrico on February 9, 1952. She survives.

He was a graduate of St. Xavier High School in Louisville, KY. He also received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 1958. He practiced in Pine Bluff, AK, before coming to North Vernon in 1961. He retired in 1993.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he was one of the first lectures and Eucharistic ministers. He was the first PTO President at St. Mary's Catholic School. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Chiropractic Association, and the International Chiropractic Association. He was also a Kentucky Colonel.

He was an avid golfer, even known to golf in the snow. He also had several holes in one. He was a die-hard University of Kentucky basketball fan all of his life. He was a world traveler, conquering all 50 states, as well as 4 continents. He took up oil and acrylic painting at 74 years old, and was a prolific painter. He was also a dedicated family man.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by 4 children, Cindy Paswater and Shari Leake, both of North Vernon, Dr. Gary Leake of Burlington, KY, and Sandra Gregory of Liberty, IN; 6 grandchildren, Travis and Shanyn Leake, Dr. Eric and Dr. Adam Davis, Cindel Paswater, and Jacob Gregory; 2 great grandchildren, Sierra and Mason Leake; 3 sisters, Libby Palmer, Pat Roth and Janette Brown, all of Louisville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, a grandson, Zach Gregory, and a brother, James Leake.

Funeral Information

Viewing will be held at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Service on Thursday, October 27, 2011 from 4 to 8 pm. Rosary will be at 3:30 pm. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Reverend Jonathan Meyer officiating will be on Friday, October 28, at 11 am, with burial following at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Donations Information

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society or St. Mary's School Project Share.