Albuquerque resident, Dr. Eugene Leitka passed away Monday May 11, 2026. Eugene was born October 15, 1929 in Seminole, Oklahoma. Eugenee served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 - 1955. In 1958 he married Jo Ann Green of Idabel Oklahoma. At the age of 7, Eugene was integrated into the Euchee Mission Indian Boarding School. This spurred his interest in obtaining further education leading him to attend Haskell Institute for high school, graduating in 1951. Gene attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant Oklahoma, from 1957 to 1963 and graduated with Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education. From 1959 to 1969 he taught Elementary and Middle School on the Navajo Reservation in several places including Laguna Pueblo, NM, Wide Ruins, Az and Chuska, Az. From 1969 to 1973 he attended New Mexico State University where he graduated with a Doctorate Degree in Education Administration. Gene went on to have a successful career in Education, including being the Director Education Research for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in both Albuquerque and Washington DC, Assistant Director National American Indian Tribal Training Center, Brigham City, Utah. From 1981-1986 Gene was the Dean of Haskell Indian Junior College, Lawerence Kansas. Gene was a proud member of the Ocese band, Alligator Clan of the Seminole Tribe. Gene was an accomplished Boxer, Baseball Player, Golfer and also ran Track and Field. Gene was a proud family man dedicated to his children and helping others. 

Eugene is preceded in death by his parents Elliot Leitka and Stella Larney, his wife Jo Ann Leitka and daughter Letha Leitka-Bazard.

Eugene is survived by daughter and and son-in-law Debra Leitka and Rick Mowrey of Albuquerque, granddaughter Maya Leitka, sister Beth Coker, nieces Rinah Coker and Brenda Coker, nephew Russell (Junior) Coker.

A private graveside service will be at Fairview Memorial Park, on Friday, May 15, 2026, in Albuquerque, NM.