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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

Bonnie Faye Bishop ~ 03-25-1949 to 04-22-2025

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  Linn County News Published April 30, 2025   Bonnie Faye Bishop, age 76, Olathe, Kan., passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She was born on March 25, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of William and Imogene Krueger Carter. After graduating from high... [More]

Lois A. Murray ~ 11-03-1931 to 04-20-2025

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Linn County News Published April 30, 2025   Lois A. Murray, age 93, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Overland Park, Kan. Lois was born the daughter of Arlie and Winifred Stanhope Poindexter on Nov. 3, 1931, near Drexel, Mo.... [More]

Dr. Howard F. Wilson ~ 02-05-1938 to 04-20-2025

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Linn County News Published April 23, 2025   Dr. Howard F. Wilson, age 87, of Garnett, Kan., passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at St. Luke’s South Hospital in Overland Park, Kan. Howard Frank Wilson was born on Feb. 5, 1938, in Garden City, Mo. He was the... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

SPECIAL: Legislative Update

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16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed

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Late Wednesday afternoon, April 16, orders were filed dismissing all 16 current cases on file in Linn County District Court concerning the Tanglewood Lake gate incident, 14 of which were filed against separate individuals that stemmed from the incident in May 2023. According... [More]

Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county

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During the April 21 meeting, Linn County Commissioner Jason Hightower reported to his fellow board members that he had met with the Tanglewood Lake board president and a resident the previous week and noted that they wanted a resolution or motion that clarified if the roads are... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational

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The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Pleasanton on April 15 for the Pleasanton Invitational. The Hawks did very well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams won the meet. The girls won with a score of 188 points while the boys won with a score of 127 points. There were... [More]

Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational

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The Pleasanton track team hosted their home invitational on April 15. The Jays did well as both the boys’ and girls’ teams placed in the top three out of nine teams. The boys were second with 92 points while the girls were third with 107.5 points. “It was... [More]

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