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Joseph Michael“Mike” Leager, was born February 3, 1955 and passed away, December 18, 2025 peacefully at his home in Spirit Lake, Idaho, as was his desire. He journeyed 70 years on this earth before being carried to Heaven to be with his Father.
Mike was preceded in death by his father James O. Leager Jr., and his brother James O. Leager III. Mike is survived by his loving wife Etta Jane Horsey Clendaniel, his mother Edith Marie Leager, his son Joseph “ Jody” Michael Leager (Michelle), his daughter Holly Michelle Smith (Neil), his daughter Melinda Kay Freemyers (Stanley), his stepdaughter Jessica Nicole Penix (Josh), and his nephew (like a second son) William Brett Daniels (Paula), his brother Jeffrey Wayne Leager (Teri), his sister Cynthia Marie Daniles, and his 8 grandchildren Drake, Olivia, Piper, Nicklaus, Jennifer, Joseph, Jacob, Adalynn, and his fur babies Shadow & Molly and extended family.
Mike’s favorite Bible verse was Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed”. He believed every word and lived his final days in such a manner.
Mike Loved God, his family, his church, hunting, sports (especially college football and wrestling), and Country & Western music in particular Hank Williams and Tammy Wynette. His favorite song was “ The Wonders You Perform”, by Tammy Wynette. He loved watching Jimmy Swaggart and Shepherds Chapel with Jane.
Mike’s journey involved his love of the blessing of a hard day’s work. This passion resulted in blessing his community in his dedicated service on the family farm, with the Delaware State Police, and the Smyrna Fire Dept. Additionally he provided service through his Septic and paving business. He would jokingly say “I have a masters in Turdology”, a testament to his beautiful sense of humor. He enjoyed laughing even at himself. Even in retirement and after the loss of his leg, he had to stay busy tinkering with various projects mechanicing, small construction projects, mowing the lawn, and delivering trash to the dump. All with a smile that would light up any room. In his final years he thoroughly enjoyed working with his Daughter, Melinda in her “foul behavior”, tending to her flock of Chickens, Ducks, Turkeys, and the guard geese, splitting and hauling in firewood. He always wanted to have a useful task to pursue.
Although Mike’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.
A celebration of life will be held at Smyrna Wesleyan Church, 433 West Commerce Street, Smyrna DE, on April 4th beginning at 11:00 A.M.
