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Linn County News

Published April 12, 2023

 

Leslie Leon Springer came to the end of a life well lived Thursday, March 23, 2023. He was 88 years old. He was born on June 28, 1934, in Fort Scott, Kansas to Leslie Adam Springer and Nettie May (Graham) Springer.

Les grew up in the small community of Pleasanton, Kan., and graduated from high school there in 1952. During his early years he was known by his middle name “Leon.”

At age 14 he began his work life as a soda jerk. He went on to become a grocery clerk and after his graduation he worked for Pleasanton Telephone Co. as a lineman. While a lineman, he also served in the Kansas National Guard. He then went on to serve four years in the US Air Force. In 1959 he accepted a position with IBM. As a field engineer he was a familiar face in the four state area; maintaining and repairing main frame computer systems. His retirement in 1991 afforded him time to do the things he loved. He and Dixie managed their numerous rental properties; they traveled together and looked after their kids and grandkids. When he wasn’t fishing, golf and the camaraderie of his golf buddies was his favorite pastime. Les was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Joplin. He was a member of the Joplin ELKS Lodge and Joplin Golf Club.

On Dec. 3 1957, he married Dixie Lee Wilkerson. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. She survives along with their two daughters, Denise Lambert and her husband, Scott, and Janice Pekarek and her husband, Tom. Leslie was preceded in death by his dear grandson Mathew Coles Fox. His surviving grandsons are Garret Lambert, Joshua Fox and his wife, Airica, Garrett Pekarek and his wife, Whitney, Preston Pekarek and Lydia. Leslie was lucky enough to play an active role with his great-grandsons as well, Kaidyn Fox, Roman Fox and Oliver Fox. He was a wonderful mentor to these young people and they continue to further his legacy.

Throughout his life Les was blessed by a close-knit family that was devoted to doing fun things together. His brother, David Springer, and wife Hazel, will miss him dearly.

Sadly he lost his sister, Rosalie Wood, his special brother-in-law Byrne survives. Dixie’s clan adopted Les into their family as one of their own. Ruby and John Wilkerson, Shirley Wilkerson and John Dale Wilkerson have passed. Juanita Wilkerson, sister-in-law Ruth Wilkerson, Bill Wilkerson and wife Kay, Ken Wilkerson and wife Dixie, Evelyn Roberts and husband, Steve, Karen Stephan and husband, Duane, Terry Wilkerson and wife, Denise all share in our sadness. He was a fun uncle to many nieces, nephews and their children.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. Family received friends on Monday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thornhill-Dillion Mortuary in Joplin. 

Memorial contributions can be made to either First Presbyterian Church or Joplin Golf Club, both in care of the mortuary.

Cremation arrangements are under the trusted care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Mo.

OBITUARIES

Doris Maxine Basore ~ 01-02-1920 to 03-10-2024

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Linn County News Published March 13, 2024   Doris Maxine Basore, age 104, Pleasanton, Kan., passed away Monday, March 10, 2024. She was born in Bates County, Mo., on Jan. 2, 1920, the daughter of Ray and Verna Chapman Lacy. She graduated from Rich Hill High School... [More]

Janice (Good) Waltmire ~ 08-20-1937 to 03-09-2024

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Linn County News Published March 13, 2024   Janice (Good) Waltmire, age 86, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. She was born the youngest of four children in Mound City, Kan., on Aug. 20, 1937, to the late Ralph... [More]

Richard Lee Strader ~ 06-08-1974 to 02-24-24

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Linn County News Published March 13, 2024   Richard Lee Strader, 49, passed away on Feb. 24, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Grave side services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Eureka Cemetery.

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NEWS

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SPORTS

Prairie View brings home two State titles in powerlifting championship

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The Jayhawk Linn softball team hosted Prairie View in their season opener on March 19. The Lady Hawks played a double-header and lost both games to the Lady Buffs 5-15 and 13-15. The first game saw the Buffalos take a 6-3 after three innings. After this, Prairie View outscored... [More]

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OBITUARIES POLICY

• May be mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered.
• Must be received by 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to appear in that week's edition.
• Obituaries submitted by funeral homes will be billed to the funeral home.
• Full obituaries submitted by individuals are required to be paid in advance.
• Cost: $40 for 300 words or less. Each additional word over 300, 10¢. Photograph $5.
Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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