Edmond Leser Obituary Edmond Freeman Leser May 25, 1976 – October 29, 2017 Ned Leser died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday, October 29, 2017 in Lubbock, Texas following a long fight with his mental demons. He was 41. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 19, at E & J Smokehouse & Grill, 701 Regis St, Lubbock, TX 79403. A private family interment will be held later at the Cedaredge Cemetery in Cedaredge, Colorado. Ned was born on May 25, 1976 to James and Jean Leser in Tucson, Arizona. His family soon moved to Lubbock, Texas where Ned graduated from Coronado High School with honors. Ned excelled in UIL math and science competitions and was a Merit Scholar. He played the trombone in the marching band. After his graduation he briefly attended Texas Tech University with a Presidential Scholarship, majoring in electrical engineering and computer science. During his early years he was involved in Boy Scouts and earned his black belt in Taekwondo under the instruction of Monte Monroe. He had many different occupations during his short life including restaurant food preparer, cook, construction and remodeling, quality control of recycled medical devices and finally as a machinist at both Xylem and K&K Supply. Ned was extremely smart and talented and had no problem mastering any job he set his mind to. He was especially talented in the areas of math and physics. Ned loved his family and his family loved him. They enjoyed the many family vacations and other gatherings through the years. He also had a special place in his heart for children. Ned would have made a great husband and father. He enjoyed his many friends, hard work, the outdoors, fishing, shooting sports, was an avid reader, and had eclectic music tastes. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association. His father and he enjoyed several backpacking trips. Ned made several visits to Colorado where his parents relocated in retirement. He loved Colorado and would have liked to live there but in his heart he was always a Texan. He loved his four cats, Percival, Squeaky, Won Ton and Evan, who were his constant companions and comfort during the most difficult times. Thankfully all four cats have been adopted to good homes. Ned was always trying to find his place in this world. He fought many mental demons starting around high school. He had various diagnoses including the likelihood of having a schizophrenia disorder. Sometimes these demons were quiet and he greatly enjoyed life. Other times they were overwhelming causing sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. He failed in his quest for a cure through standard medical practices. In the end he self-medicated with alcohol and drugs to no avail. Eventually he lost his job, becoming reclusive and experiencing frightening delusions and paranoia. During his last three months Ned's world became very small and terrifying. Ned remained open only to family members and a few close friends. The family thanks all of those who loved and cared for him throughout his life, and would like to raise the general awareness of mental illness and suicide. Ned is survived by his loving parents, Jean and James of Cedaredge, Colorado; and his loving brother, Benjamin and wife, Lacey of Lubbock, Texas. We all miss him, love him and continue to grieve. May he finally be at peace. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at AFSP.org; or to the Haven Animal Care Shelter, 4501 N FM 1729, Lubbock, TX 79403 Services

Celebration of Life Sunday November 19, 2017 2:00 PM E & J Smokehouse & Grill 701 Regis St Lubbock, TX 79403