John Nesbett Leedom's Obituary
LEEDOM, JOHN NESBETT was born in Dallas, TX on July 27, 1921 and passed away at his home in Dallas on May 31, 2011. He is a graduate of Highland Park High School. He received an Electrical Engineering degree from Rice University in 1943 and served with the Navy during World War II. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of Scouting’s National Honor Society, The Order of the Arrow. Leedom was the CEO and Co-founder of Wholesale Electronic Supply Inc. in Dallas. He was past President of the National Electronic Distributors Association. He had served as Chapter Chairman, Area Vice President and National Director of the Young Presidents Organization. His civic activities included service as Chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party and past board member of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce. For five years, he served as a member of the Dallas City Council, chairing its committees on Finance, Public Safety and Cable Television. In 1980, Leedom was elected to the Texas State Senate from District 16 and served five terms. He retired from the Senate in 1996. He sponsored legislation that led to the creation of today’s Rainy Day Fund. In 1989, he served a Senate President Pro Tem and as Governor for the Day in March of that same year. Senator Leedom was always grateful that God used him for public service and he continued with his major concern for water, and served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Weather Modification Association. Leedom retired in March of 1996 to spend more time with his family and his company. He served as a Trustee of Grace Bible Church. He published five books during his lifetime. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty; Joanne Leedom Ackerman of Georgetown, DC, Judy Leedom Tyrer of Denver, CO., Becky K. Trigg of Houston, TX, Danny Kennedy of Kansas, MO., Linda Leedom Moore of Clifton Forge, VA., and John Leedom, Jr. of Dallas, TX; 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00PM, Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be held at 10:00AM, Monday, June 6 at Restland Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please donate in John’s name to the charity of your choice.
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