Donald L. “Don” Leikam

Donald L. “Don” Leikam, 81, Russell, formerly of Hays, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2024, at HaysMed.

He was born on February 25, 1942, in Hays. He was the son of Joseph “Joe” and Kathleen (Marquardt) Leikam. On February 19, 1962, he was united in marriage to Shirley Augustine in Hays, and they were married 48 years before she preceded him in death on June 26, 2010.

Don was a skilled truck driver who worked in the oilfields primarily as a water hauler and an over-the-road driver who transported freight across the United States.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Kim Dechant and husband Jeff and Jackie Ruder and husband Chad, all of Hays; a son-in-law, David Linenberger of Salina; two brothers, Joe Leikam (Barbara) and Bill Leikam, all of Hays; two sisters, Jean Koerner of Hays and Kathy Creighton (Dennis) of Stockton; eight grandchildren, Dustin Dechant (Laura), Jeffrey Dechant (Amanda), Heather Younger (Cole) Jason Augustine (April), Nathan Augustine, Christian Linenberger (Meagan), Shannon Ruder, and Amy Ruder; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sandy Linenberger.

Private family inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested for family wishes, and checks may be payable to Jackie Ruder. Arrangements are in the care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, and condolences and memories of Don may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com