Leonard Henry Mikeska

Leonard Henry Mikeska, Sr., Retired Deputy Chief of the Houston Fire Department passed away June 09, 2016 at the age of 78, in Conroe, Texas. Leonard is preceded in death by his father, Harry Mikeska; his mother, Esther Mikeska; sisters, Dorothy Houseman, Benolye Dean; and nephew, Denver Houseman Jr.

Leonard is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Nancy, son Leonard, and wife Rhonda; daughter, Denise and husband, John Leitch; grandsons, Ryan Marr, Wesley Mikeska, and wife Lauren; Keith Mikeska, and wife Kaycee, Army Specialist, Brent Mikeska; one beautiful granddaughter, Stephanie Marr; 5 great-grandchildren, special friends Gladys and Jimmie Tucker, numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends, and his beloved kitty cat, Dolly. A special recognition to his sweet girls, Janet and Randy Councill, Beverly and Billy MacDonald, Christy and Ed Tottingham, and Andie Pratt.

After graduating from Spring Branch High School, Leonard joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1956 and served until 1962 when he was honorably discharged.

Leonard dedicated his professional life to the Houston Fire Department beginning as a Fire Fighter and rising through the ranks to become the Deputy Chief of the Arson Division. During his 27 years of service, Leonard received many commendations and awards, including Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, an appointment as an Honorary Special Agent – for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, a designation by the U.S. Army as an Explosive Ordnance Reconnaissance Expert, and being selected to serve on the National Response Team for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Throughout his tenure with HFD, Chief Mikeska continued his service to his country by providing expert testimony to the U.S. Senate in Washington DC.

Chief Mikeska was a consultant to the National Fire Administration N.F.P.A. on Electrical Fires, and to the National Legislative Council on Arson. Chief Mikeska held an advanced Peace Officers Certification, an Advanced Instructor Certification and held a Master Firefighter Certification, as well as, many other certifications.

Chief Mikeska worked closely with many State Officials and received numerous special assignments from Texas Governor Bill Clements. He co-authored the Arson Section of the Texas Penal Code still in use today. Leonard was known world-wide as an authority on arson investigation. Under his leadership, the Houston Arson Bureau became the benchmark for the rest of the nation. Chief Mikeska shared his knowledge and expertise globally, training investigators and departments in many countries, excelling him to become known as a legend in arson investigation.

After leaving HFD, Leonard, together with, his great friend Danny Welsh, formed Welsh and Mikeska Investigative Services. He later joined the Montgomery County Fire Marshalls Office until he was appointed to the 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office as an Investigator.

When Leonard finally retired he dedicated all of his time to his family, fishing, deer hunting, gardening, and trips to Vegas. Leonard was a BBQ perfectionist; known as Mr. Brisket by his friends, and won many BBQ cook-offs and awards.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 14, from 5-8 PM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX; Services, including full HFD honors, will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 4308 W. Davis (SH 105 W.) Conroe, TX 77304. Following the service, Chief Mikeska will ride the pumper one last time for Interment at Garden Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Chief Mikeska’s name to the Fire Fighters Helping Fire Fighters Fund, P.O. Box 773 Houston, TX 77001 www.firehelpingfire.org. You are invited to view our webpage and leave written tributes to the family at cashnerconroe.com