Leon Pierson Minear

Dr. Leon P. Minear, 93, a resident of the Highlands at Wyomissing, died October 15, 2008 in the Reading Hospital. He moved to Wyomissing from Denver, Colorado following the death of his wife of 66 years, Dolores F. (Goetzee) Minear, on July 5, 2005. Leon was born in San Antonio, Texas on March 20, 1915. He was the son of the late Joseph H. and Monnie M. (Guin) Minear. He graduated from San Francisco State College in 1938, and received masters (1941) and Doctor of Education (1947) degrees from Stanford University. As a teenager, he loved music and learned to play many different instruments. This ability led to a summer job at age 20, sailing around the world as a musician on a cruise ship. Leon's professional career began as a music teacher in Oakland, California. During World War II he worked for Pan American Airways, rising from flight radio operator on Pan American Clippers, to Superintendent of Training. After the war he was assistant professor of education at Denver (Colorado) University, president of Stockton (California) College, and principal of Benson Polytechnic School, Portland, Oregon. In 1961 he became Oregon State Superintendent of Schools. In 1968 he moved to Washington, DC as Commissioner of Vocational-Technical Education with the US Office of Education. Three years later he became US Regional Commissioner of Education in Denver, Colorado, a position he held until his retirement in 1980. He organized numerous national and international conferences on education, and served as educational consultant for presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He was listed in "Who's Who in America" for over 30 years.

Leon played the violin for many years, and organized symphony orchestras in Monterey, CA and Denver, CO. He was an active amateur radio hobbyist for 77 years. In recent years he particularly enjoyed telling stories about his adventures in life. Always a gentlemen and always pleasant to others, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his son Roger L. Minear and daughter-in-law Loretta A. (Incollingo) Minear of Wyomissing. There are also two grandsons: Peter R. Minear of Wyomissing, and Paul D. Minear, husband of Nicole M. Allamon-Minear, of State College, PA.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Leslie H. Minear and Lloyd C. Minear.

A memorial service will be held at the Highlands. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of local arrangements. www.kuhnfuneralhome.com