Lidiak

Leonard G. Lidiak, 78, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 13 in El Paso. He was born on Feb. 21, 1938 in La Grange to Jerome and Mary Lidiak. Preceding him in death are his parents, first wife Judy, and infant daughter Lindy Dawn Lidiak. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Norma Lidiak of El Paso, his brother Max Lidiak (Joyce), sisters, Gloria Schulze, Aurelia Johnson and Virginia Neiser (Paul), all of Houston; children, Donna Meek (Kevin) of Austin, Douglas Lidiak of Greely, CO., Russell Cornelius, Randal Cornelius and Robert Cornelius (Bonnie) all of El Paso, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Some of the professional and civic organizations he was proud to serve include: Accion International, Accion El Paso, Inc., El Paso Chamber of Commerce, El Paso Partnership for Community Economic Development, Southwestern Livestock Show and Rodeo, El Paso Downtown Lions Club, Goodwill Industries, American Institute of Banking, Bank Administration Institute, Texas Association of Business, Sertoma, United Way, Jaycees, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, El Dorados, Better Business Bureau, Association of the United States Army, Boy Scouts of America, El Paso Children’s Choir, Leadership El Paso, Partnership in Education, Junior Achievement, El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Southern Methodist University Banking School, Amigo Airshow, March of Dimes, Girl Scouts of America, Center Against Family Violence, El Paso Education Initiative, Inc., and El Paso Collaborative. Leonard began his career in banking as a teller at La Grange State Bank, followed by banks in Angleton and California. In 1962 he started working for Bassett National Bank in El Paso where he worked his way up to President and later became President and CEO of Montwood National Bank in El Paso. He retired after 50 years in banking, then went on to manage The Surety Tower Bldg. for two years. After earning his pilot’s license, one of Leonard’s favorite pastimes was flying. He was a pillar of his community and the foundation of his family. Even though he suffered from Parkinson’s disease, he continued being as active as possible for many years. He was a devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed. As in life, he is continuing to help people by donating his body to Texas Tech Medical School. There will be no services at this time. He will be buried at a later date at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso. Donations may be made to: El Paso Downtown Lions Club Foundation, Mallory Court, El Paso, Texas 79912 or a charity of your choice. The family requests no flowers.