Leonard “Buddy” Laker passed away at the age of 94 on January 10, 2023. He was born on February 23, 1928 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Harry C. Laker and Elsie McQueen Laker. He was a veteran of the US Navy during WWII. He worked as an automobile dealer and was a member of Colonial Country Club, Beau Chene Country Club, Lakewood Country Club, and the Louisiana Auto Dealers Association. He additionally served on the Board of National Auto Dealers.
He owned automobile dealerships for 50 years—Star Chrysler, Eagle Buick, and Eagle Dodge. He raced stock cars and loved playing golf, playing on many courses, from Spy Glass in California to Glen Eagles in Scotland.
He is preceded in death by: his parents and his brothers, Harry R. Laker and John Laker. He is survived by: his wife of 64 years, Yvonne “Bonnie” Laker; his daughters, Linda Roy (Elliott), Patti Laker, Joy Wuertz (Henry), and Lisa Novotny (Daniel); his son, Lenny Laker; his grandchildren, Ryan Wells (Kristi), Brandon Wuertz, Nicholas Wuertz (Lauren), Hope Wuertz Dale (Mitchell), Bryce Novotny, and Taylor Novotny (Kelley); and his great-grandchildren, Wyatt Wuertz, Bennett Wuertz, Ava Wells, Emma Wells, Hays Wells, Elle Wuertz, Emory Wuertz, Luke Dale, and Jackson Dale. The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and nurses of Compassus Hospice and the sanctuary at PaSSAGES Hospice and Ochsner Hospital.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church at 215 Phosphor Ave., Metairie, LA 70005—at the corner of Phosphor and Codifier Blvd. Visitation will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue until 12:30. Services will immediately follow visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of your choice in Leonard’s memory.
To view and sign the guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
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