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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

Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites ~ 02-13-1941 to 03-26-2025

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Linn County News Published April 2, 2025   Donna Lee (Bishop) Stites, age 84, of Mound City, Kan., passed away peacefully in her sleep March 26, 2025, at the Olathe Medical Center, after an extended illness. Born on Feb. 13, 1941, the third child of Jacob and... [More]

Frank Scott DeRemus ~ 06-21-1967 to 03-04-2025

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Linn County News Published April 2, 2025   Frank Scott DeRemus age 57 of Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home in Blue Mound. Scott was born June 21, 1967, in Olathe, Kan., to Frank Fox and Sharon K. (Chadwick) DeRemus. On August 11, 1994,... [More]

Douglas Eugene Joseph ~ 08-06-1964 to 03-16-2025

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Linn County News Published April 2, 2025   Douglas Eugene Joseph, 60, of Fort Scott, Kan., died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Mo. Doug was born on Aug. 6, 1964, in Pittsburg, Kan., to Jean Ann Jones. He graduated from high school... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

SPECIAL: STATEHOUSE REPORTING BUDGET FOR MARCH 28, 2025

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    FETALPERSONHOOD – The House and Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require child support for unborn fetuses from the date of conception as well as an income tax exemption. A conference committee report was presented for HB2062 before the... [More]

SPECIAL: U.S. 69 overlay project set to begin in Bourbon and Linn counties

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  Monday, March 31, the Kansas Department of Transportation plans to begin resurfacing work on U.S. 69 in Bourbon and Linn counties. An overlay will be placed on the northbound lanes of U.S. 69, starting at the south U.S. 54 junction in Fort Scott and continuing... [More]

Commissioners learn of grant for planning phase on courthouse repairs

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During the March 24 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West on a grant possibility for repair work to the courthouse. SEKRPC (SEK Regional Planning Commission) is willing to assist with the HPF (Historic Preservation... [More]

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SPORTS

2025 Boys’ Basketball All County team

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The 2024-2025 high school boys’ basketball has concluded and it is time once again for the annual All County team. As usual choosing the team was tough as there were many good players this season and plenty more that showed steady progress through the season.  As... [More]

2025 Girls’ Basketball All County team

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High school girls’ basketball has concluded for the 2024-25 season and it’s time for the annual All County team. Like the boys’ team, and like most years, choosing players was tough. Plenty of girls from all three schools, Prairie View, Jayhawk Linn and Pleasanton,... [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.
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• 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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