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Laurence “Roger” Leedom January 7, 1941 - February 17, 2022

January 1941 – February 2022

Roger Leedom, a lifelong resident of Turlock, CA, passed away on February 17, 2022. He was born January 7, 1941 in Turlock to Laurence and Gladys (Gaddis) Leedom. After graduating from Turlock High school in 1959 he joined his father in 1965 as a volunteer fireman and shortly after that at Leedom Shell gas station. He married Sue Couch in 1967 and they were married for 41 years. Roger became a full-time fireman in 1978 and retired in 2001 after 23 years. He also drove City dial-a-ride bus for several years.

Roger was a member of Turlock Moose Lodge, Arrowhead Club of Turlock, SIR (Son in Retirement) and Turlock Valley Vets. He and Sue enjoyed bowling in leagues for many years. He was an avid fan of NASCAR racing and a diehard 49ers fan. The last few years of his life he loved walking his dog Maddie around Crane Park and going to Starbucks and visiting with all who came in. 

Roger is preceded in death by his wife Sue Leedom, daughter Annie Elam, brother Mike Leedom and parents Laurence and Gladys (Gladdis) Leedom. He is survived by daughter Cindy (Dennis) Massey of Hilmar; son Keith (Melissa) Leedom of Turlock; daughters Doreen (Roy) Gier and Dawn Shakeshaft of Turlock; and son David (Mary) Leedom of Running Springs, CA and sister Pat Mitchell.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice.

A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm.

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Condolences(33)

  1. JIM Yettman says
    March 11, 2022 at 7:42 pm

    I have many memories of conversations with Roger from the Shell station with his father Lawrence & at the parts store-& later on in our lives our wife’s had the same terrible disease. Rest in peace old friend

  2. Brian White says
    March 11, 2022 at 5:25 pm

    My sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Roger. I too had the privelege to work as Roger’s Firefighter / Engineer. Roger was deeply devoted to his family, friends, his community and the 49ers. I will greatly miss his laugh, his smile, his stories and the glint he would have in his eyes when he was joking around or sharing a funny story! Roger was always the best dressed, generous, kind hearted and compassionate person! Rest in peace Captain Leedom and thank you for all that you gave to those who knew you!

  3. Kara Elvgren says
    March 11, 2022 at 2:59 am

    Doreen – I’m so sorry for your loss. You have been in my mind and in my prayers. Big hug!

  4. Danette says
    March 10, 2022 at 11:51 pm

    This is a great way to be there ,,with all of you.. I always will remember Roger, as being a great Dad and friend. And especially, a husband to Sue. I was privileged to help take care of Sue, I watched him be patient and loving with her, I remember the time I stayed with her overnight, or was it Two nights? When Roger went with Lawrence and Donnie Kelso, I think to a Race ? Anyway, when Roger came home, he cried , cuz he missed her so much..

  5. Dennis Fujita says
    March 10, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Leedom family, I know there is a large void in your hearts and soul as I to share in your loss! I have so many memories of working or just hanging out with Roger that it would be impossible to even pinpoint that one special time I spent with him as every occasion was special. In retrospect, I think the most special times were playing golf with Roger and Ray , especially on our annual firefighter “C” shift getaway to Nevada, we played the best and most challenging courses available. The last course Roger and I played together was at Edgebrooke , Lake Tahoe! It was a special day! Trust me we had a few horns after our round.
    Roger, Sue and his father Laurence were all mentors to me not only as a firefighter, but as a man, I know they are united in Heaven living in peace fo eternity!
    Special condolences to aunt Pat Mitchell, who is also my son’s great Aunt
    May you rest in peace my great friend,
    Dennis

  6. Tim Lohman says
    March 10, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    It was an honor and privilege to have known Roger for most of my life. Memories of him working at their Shell Gas station, to going down to his game room on East Main, and Turlock High football games. As a kid knowing Roger, he was larger than life. Later when I started working with him at TFD, I found him to be so much fun to work with and at the same time take his job very seriously. As a Fire Engineer he knew every street in Turlock and it was his personal mission to be the first engine to arrive on a fire call. During down time at the stations you knew that there would be fun times when Roger was around. He was always laughing and having a good time with everybody. Most of us could tell “Roger” stories for hours.
    Roger deeply loved his family, friends, city, and of course his 49ers. He will be missed.
    My condolences to Cindy, Keith, Doreen, Dawn, David, & and his extended family.

  7. Troy Gonzales says
    March 10, 2022 at 3:17 am

    My nickname is Gonzo. Roger referred to me as Gonz. When we would work at the Firehouse on a Sunday, Roger would tell me, Gonz get ready to drive 500 miles!! . And he would get out his tub of popcorn and his jar of pickled beets and off to the races we went, in the recliners. Or we would go to Albertsons so Roger could get a warm loaf of bread, and eat most of it on the way back to the station. You will be missed my friend. GO NINERS!!!

  8. Gary Lunsford says
    March 9, 2022 at 10:41 pm

    I’m extremely grateful and lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Roger as his Fire Engineer for a few years at TFD. Truly some of my best times in the fire service involved my time with him. Whether on our annual C-Shift trips or on duty responding to a call or conducting business inspections, there were a couple of guarantees (1) Roger was going to know everyone wherever we went, (2) The 49ers were going to be talked about and (3) we would end up laughing about something!! Rogers love for life was very infectious, you couldn’t help but feel like you were a part of his family because you were and he made sure you knew he cared about you. You will never be forgotten!!

  9. Larry Hughes says
    March 9, 2022 at 9:59 pm

    Very sorry to learn of Rogers passing. He was a friend in high school and later we were volunteer firefighters and then paid firefighters working to make the world a better place. I have many good memories of fishing trips and parties with Roger. When I returned to Turlock a Fire Chief Roger was always available to give me his direct input on how I was doing (and he was often right). He was a good, honest man and a man of his word.

  10. Roger Dooley says
    March 9, 2022 at 9:37 pm

    I have many fond memories of Roger. He loved his family and of course the 49ers! I’ll miss our conversations.

  11. Cindy Massey says
    March 9, 2022 at 1:49 am

    Thank You

  12. Nancy Kirkes says
    March 1, 2022 at 1:29 am

    I’ve known Roger and his family for 70 years. First as my Grandma Maltbie s Turlock Journal paper boy on Grant ave.
    We have still been in contact through the years, last at our Reunion And through my son !
    Great guy!!!!

  13. Dan Louis says
    February 27, 2022 at 1:05 pm

    My condolences to the Leedom family. Well respected community man ! Would talk with Roger many times on his fire-calls , and later during his bus-driving days while seeing him in our City Corporation Yard ! Loved talking sports with Roger !!! Prayers from Florida.

  14. Jim Scudder says
    February 26, 2022 at 10:24 pm

    I remember working with Roger at Pete’s Market. We also had P.E. class together at Turlock High. I would consider him to be a great friend.

  15. Marie Fletcher says
    February 26, 2022 at 8:12 pm

    Doreen I’m so sorry I loved both your mom and dad

  16. Todd Anderson says
    February 25, 2022 at 2:37 am

    Roger, I always enjoyed a handshake and a smile from you friend. Always great to say hi to you in the mornings at Starbucks. You will be missed!

  17. Rick Lutz says
    February 25, 2022 at 1:34 am

    Rest in peace Roger I know you were my dad’s best friend for all those years thanks for being there

  18. Joey Novack says
    February 24, 2022 at 4:55 pm

    Roger was always smiling and was always kind to me. I will remember him well.
    My best to the family .
    Rest In Peace Roger.

  19. Sandy says
    February 24, 2022 at 12:37 am

    I’ll never forget Rodger driving around in his yellow corvette, he’s always been very kind and always had a terrific smile. Rest In Peace and enjoy the presence of Jesus

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