Obituary of Robert E. Leckrone

Robert E. Leckrone Age 97, of Joliet, Ill., passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Sunnyhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Robert was born in Beach City, Ohio on September 2, 1919 to Roy J. and Marie (Blaser) Leckrone. He graduated from Canton McKinley High School and Georgia Institute of Technology. He was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company when he was called to active duty as an Officer in the United States Navy. He served eleven years and retired as Commander. While stationed at Dutch Harbor, Alaska during WWII, Robert was sent to guard the Akutan Zero, a Mitsubishi A6M Zero Japanese fighter plane that crash-landed on Akutan Island. It was the first intact, flyable Zero acquired by the United States. In 1945 he married Frances K. (nee Bacalis) Leckrone of Joliet who passed away January 3, 2008. In 1952 he was elected Vice President of Barrett Hardware Company of Joliet. In the 1960s he was named Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Louis Joliet Bank. He was also President of Northern Illinois Bancorp, Director of the Illinois Bankers Association, American Bankers Association and Director of the Chicago Bankers Club. A small business specialist with a background in computerization, he served on many local and state boards including the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Life Assurance Company of America, Three Rivers Manufacturers Association, and Will-Grundy Contractors Association. Robert was also known for his detailed knowledge of legislative material at local, state and national levels. He was a member of the Chicago Council of Foreign Relations, and in 1978, 1979, and 1980 U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy invited Robert to participate with a team of executives advising him on inflation. Robert was a member of the Joliet Rotary Club, and President and District Governor of Rotary International. He was President of the Rainbow Council Boy Scouts of America, and received the high honor Silver Beaver for Distinguished Service to Boyhood award. He served on the National League of Nursing Board of Directors. In Joliet Robert and Frances participated in fundraising campaigns for hospitals, the YMCA, and the Rainbow Council Boy Scouts of American Camp in Grundy County. A lifelong supporter of higher education, Robert served on the President's Advisory Council of Lewis University, was a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association and a Visiting Lecturer at Georgia Tech, University of St. Francis, Lewis University, St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing, Joliet Junior College, the American Farm School of Thessaloniki, Greece, and Southern Illinois University. Robert had an ongoing interest in scholarships for college students. He was Treasurer of the 13th District Order of AHEPA Scholarship Foundation. He also worked with the Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship program. Robert was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church of Joliet. His social memberships included Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, the Fraternal Order of the Elks, the Order of AHEPA, and American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, the Mykonos Society, the Masonic Lodge and the University Club of Joliet. Robert is survived by his half sister Arline Leckrone Elliott of Menlo Park, California, numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren and many lifelong friends. Funeral Services for Robert E. Leckrone will be Monday October 17, 2016 at 11:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for Funeral Services at 12 Noon. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. with Trisagion Services to be conducted at 4:00 p.m. For information, call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com