Leary was born December 10, 1934 in Lewiston, Idaho to the late Harriet and Orville Johnson. Leary passed peacefully at Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in Wakeeney Kansas on April 30, 2017.

Leary graduated from Clarkston, Washington High School in 1953 where he was an all-state catcher. He then attended Eastern Washington State College on baseball and football scholarships. During college he was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates, but opted to join the United States Air Force as an Aviation Cadet instead, attaining his Bachelors Degree while in the service. Leary began his Air Force career by attending pilot training, and his first assignment was copilot on the B-47 Stratojet, based out of Shilling, AFB Kansas. While at Shilling AFB, he met his soul mate, Karla Deines Johnson of WaKeeney, Kansas. Leary and Karla were married in Salina on July 27th, 1958. Leary's flying career was distinguished, as he flew the finest and fastest the Strategic Air Command had to offer. He was a command pilot on the B-47 bomber, the first supersonic bomber the B-58, and finally the FB-111. On the B-58 Hustler and FB-111 Aardvark Leary flew at speeds in excess of 2 times the speed of sound, entering him in the elite Mach 2 club. In 1972, Leary served a year in Vietnam where he piloted and served on a B-52 bomber crew. Prior to Leary deploying overseas, the family moved to Karla's hometown of WaKeeney to be closer to family. Leary retired from the Air Force as a Lt Colonel following an honorable and selfless service of twenty years to our country.

After returned home from Vietnam, the family decided to make WaKeeney their permanent home and he began farming. Leary never shied away from a challenge, and totally immersed himself into his new career as farmer/rancher. Even while he was farming, you couldn't keep him away from his love of flying and serving others. In addition to farming, Leary began teaching flying lessons, and when asked to serve his community politically, he did not hesitate to throw his hat in the ring. Leary was elected State Representative for the 118th District of Kansas and proudly served his constituents for three terms. His love of his community and mentoring others was also exhibited when he managed and coached the American Legion baseball team. Leary worked briefly for Flight Safety as a Cessna Citation jet flight instructor in Wichita Kansas. He served as a Trego County Commissioner and was instrumental in the development of WaKeeney's Airport. Leary was also involved in the local VFW, American Legion and several Air Force Associations. Leary was a member of the United Methodist Church in WaKeeney, Kansas.

Leary was the beloved leader of his family and taught his sons and grandchildren the proper way to drive and care for farm equipment, throw and catch a baseball and to bait a hook. Leary was happiest while attending his kids and grandkids sporting events and keeping up to speed on his grandchildren's accomplishments through social media. Leary was also a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a hero to all of them.

Leary is survived by his wife Karla (Deines) and his fur baby and sidekick Mimi of the home. Sons, Brad (Dee) Johnson of Manhattan Kansas, Brent (Jamie) of Pueblo Colorado, and Blair (Susan) of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, sister Leazan (Bill) Holloway of Asotin, Washington, and brother Lonnie (Cherylynn) Johnson of Denver Colorado. Six grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, brothers in law, sisters in law and many nieces and nephews.

Leary was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Harriet and grandson, Connor Johnson.

Memorial graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 22, 2017 at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, WaKeeney.  Full military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Trego Hospital Endowment Foundation.  Donations to the foundation may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 North 12th, WaKeeney, KS  67672.

Condolences may be left by signing the guestbook on this page.