Overview
- Spencer Leak Jr. died suddenly and was honored at a packed celebration of life at the House of Hope in Pullman where hundreds lined up to pay their respects.
- Leak served more than 45 years at Leak and Sons as vice president after earning a mortuary science degree and becoming a licensed funeral director in 1989.
- The service featured a casket, white roses and the funeral home's black‑and‑gold colors and included remarks from Chicago faith leaders and civic figures.
- Gov. JB Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson and former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. were among those who attended to salute Leak's community work.
- The Leak family has run the business since 1933 and the funeral home’s role in high‑profile services — including the recent Jesse Jackson memorial — underscores questions about leadership and how the firm will carry its civic role forward after Leak’s death with his son having joined the firm days earlier.