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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

Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025

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Linn County News Published June 4, 2025   Gary Ray Johnson, age 90 of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away on May 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Schneider Funeral Home in Pleasanton, Kan. Visitation... [More]

Rees Lyle Shattuck ~ 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Rees Lyle Shattuck, age 93, Prescott, Kan., passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. He was born on Aug. 31, 1931, in Boicourt, Kan., the son of Rees Wilbur and Lulu Elizabeth Black Shattuck. He served his country in the United... [More]

Wayne Eldon Long ~ 07-03-1942 to 05-24-2025

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Linn County News Published May 28, 2025   Wayne Eldon Long, age 82, of Parker, Kan., passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Wayne was born on July 3, 1942, in Garnett, Kan., the son of Homer Leon and Margaret Ethel (Collins) Long. He was one of three children and... [More]

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PLEASANTON WEATHER

NEWS

SPECIAL: Commission to vote Monday on Parker Center lease

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Linn County commissioners plan to vote at their weekly 9 a.m. meeting next Monday, June 2, on a 99-year lease agreement with Parker and their Senior Center building. At Tuesday's weekly Commission meeting, delayed by a day because of Monday's federal Memorial Day observance,... [More]

Despite Chamber loss, Blast in the Park fireworks will go off

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Council actions include split vote on deed conveyance   Hearing of the disbandment of its local Chamber of Commerce, La Cygne leaders have verbally concurred that the city’s part in the annual Blast in the Park festivities will go on. Following that Chamber notification... [More]

Linn Valley discusses city hall funding sources

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The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, with Mayor Lew Donelson presiding and all council members present.    Donelson informed the council of two potential opportunities for funding a new City Hall building. ... [More]

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SPORTS

Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State

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The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to West Franklin on May 22 to compete in the 3A Regional. As a team the girls placed 10th with a score of 22.5 points while the boys were fifth with 56 points. This year the top three places in each event qualify for the State meet then... [More]

School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka

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The Pleasanton track team traveled to Eureka on May 22 for a 2A Regional track meet. This year the top three places advance to the State meet along the top four times/distances not from the top three from all other Regionals. This year the Jays qualified eight athletes in seven... [More]

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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

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