Richard Morris Leagre

A great man left us July 27, 2022, after suffering from a massive stroke that stole the last year of his rich life. Richard (Dick) Morris Leagre was born on August 31, 1937, to Ruth and August Leagre, in Detroit, Michigan.

The family of three moved to DeGraff, Ohio, where Dick spent his youth, starring on the DeGraff High School basketball team, and graduating with honors.

He then attended Ohio Northern University, where he was a member and officer of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Prior to graduating with honors (again), he accomplished the single greatest feat of his life, by marrying his high school sweetheart, Mickie Keenen.

Following graduation from ONU, Mickie and Dick moved to the East Coast, where Dick attended Harvard Law School, graduating with honors (an obvious trend), and two sons!

The young family moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Dick clerked for Judge Kingsley Taft, and added a daughter!

The growing family landed in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Dick joined the law firm of Baker & Daniels, and eventually become a senior partner. He also become a father again. A third son!

The family of six lived in an old farmhouse on the west side of Indy, where Dick would come home many nights from the office, replace his 3-piece suit and briefcase with coveralls and a tool, and methodically remake every room, while Mickie corralled the 4 youngsters.

Shortly after finishing the old farmhouse, the family moved to the “sticks” of Hamilton County in 1971, where they refurbished an old horse farm, raised their children, and hosted a great many parties on the grounds, fondly referred to as Eller State Park.

Dick was a passionate supporter of his children’s academics and athletics, teaching the benefits of good study habits and practice, practice, practice! He also coached youth basketball for many years, and formed his own adult team (the Lawyers). But he always found the time to enthusiastically support his children’s endeavors in basketball, baseball, tennis, track, and theatre.

During his legal career, he became a well-known expert in interstate banking regulations, and eventually left Baker & Daniels, to start his own law firm, one of the first to specialize in banking law.

Over the years, Mickie and Dick traveled around the U.S. and to many countries including Japan, England, Africa, and Italy; but eventually, they favored Gulf Shores, Alabama as their second home; entertaining their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as hosting annual Super Bowl parties for their west beach neighbors for the past 20+ years. Dick remained healthy and very active up until a year ago, riding his bike or taking long walks every day. One of his favorite “healthy” routines in Gulf Shores was to ride his bike 5 miles to Sea ‘n Suds, order a beer and a dozen oysters on the half shell, then peddle back home.

Once their children were grown and no longer in athletics, Dick and Mickie became season ticket holders of the Colts, Pacers, and Fever; and avid fans of the Alabama football team (Roll Tide).

Survived by his wife of 64 years, Mickie; his 4 children; Mike (Sandy) Leagre of Fishers, Dr. Chris (Tina) Leagre of Carmel, Judy (Brad) Dunderman of New York City, and James (Suzy) Leagre of Carmel. His 11 grandchildren; Josh, Ryan, Adam, Matthew, Christian, Claire, Lucy, Grant, Gus, Sam, and Annali, as well as his 8 great-grandchildren; Aidan, Ella, Emrie, Langston, Lennox, Will, Maren, and Lilly.

Dick worked very hard his entire life, and remained focused on taking care of his family up until the day he suffered the stroke. He was respected, and loved, and will be deeply missed.

There will be a family celebration of Dick’s life, but condolences and special memories would be appreciated below.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Richard (Dick) Leagre may be made to the Richard M. Leagre Scholarship Fund in care of Ohio Northern University, Office of Advancement at 525 South Main Street, Ada, Ohio 45810.  Donations may also be made online: Richard M. Leagre Scholarship Fund