Homer LaKirby Leonard

Homer LaKirby Leonard (January 14, 1899 – February 13, 1979) was an American politician. A Democrat, he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives, including a term as Speaker of the House.

Early life and education Leonard was born on January 14, 1899, in Licking, Missouri. Raised in Rolla, he was educated there and worked as a wireless telegrapher for a time. He studied at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, graduating with a degree in mining engineering in 1922. While attending, he edited the school newspaper.

Career Leonard worked as a geologist and surveyor for oilfields in Kansas and Oklahoma, though found himself unfit for a career in the industry. He then moved to Flagler, Colorado and worked as a schoolteacher. He later worked as a teacher at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. In 1927, following his acquisition of the McAllen Monitor. He and a partner operated the newspaper until 1934. After selling the paper, he operated a printing company which printed the newspaper, selling that in 1947. From 1947 to 1971, he worked for the Texas Brewers' Institute, as a general legal counsel and later as a lobbyist. He died on February 13, 1979, aged 80, in Austin.