Philip Alois Leiker "Phil" Obituary (1949 - 2015)

Our wonderful loving hero, husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in Murray, Utah on Thursday March 12, 2015 surrounded by his loved ones. Phil was born April 28, 1949 in Hays, Kansas to Clarence and Edna Leiker. He grew up in Burbank, California, and upon graduating from high school, Phil enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his four years of military service he achieved the rank of Sergeant, completed two tours in the Vietnam War, and received multiple awards including the Purple Heart and Gold Star. Following the Marine Corps, Phil became an LAPD Police Officer where he served for 21 years before retiring in 1991. In this time Phil met his partner, sweetheart, and love of his life Bernadette Eileen Cummins. They were married on January 31, 1988. In 1995, the family moved to Utah to raise their children and were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Phil became a Utah State Trooper and worked as a Firearms Investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Identification up until his passing. Phil served in many ward callings and continually found ways to love and serve those around him. Phil always placed greater importance on the needs of others before his own. He was a man who truly emulated our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Phil is survived by his wife Bernadette, six children: Becky, Marques (Beckie), Jordache, Joshua, Hunter, and Lexus, and siblings: Chris (Julie), Tom, Leroy (Monica), and Marilynn (Sue). Phil's funeral will be held Friday, March 20, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Utah Veterans Memorial Park Chapel (17111 South Camp Williams Rd. Bluffdale, Utah 84065). A reception will follow from 4-6pm at the Draper Stake Center (13085 South 300 East Draper, Utah 84020). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Utah in Phil's name. Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy. South Jordan, UT 84095