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
Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith ~ 11-19-1935 to 06-07-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Priscilla “Pat” Haney Smith passed away Saturday June 7, 2025, at the Stoneybrook Retirement Community in Manhattan. She was born on Nov. 19, 1935, in Topeka, Kan., to Neil and Gladys (Goldsmith)... [More]
Ron Arbogast ~ 08-31-1946 to 06-05-2025

Linn County News Published July 2, 2025 Ron Arbogast, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 78. Born Aug. 31, 1946, in Fort Scott, Kan.,... [More]
Richard “Dick” Smith ~ 04-18-1942 to 06-22-2025

Linn County News Published June 25, 2025 Richard "Dick" Smith, age 83, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in Olathe, Kan., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Pleasanton Cemetery. Contributions... [More]
More Obituaries
- Charles Edwin Sutterby ~ 06-20-1951 to 06-19-2025
- Windfred Allen DeMott ~ 09-15-1940 to 06-07-2025
- Maxine Breuel ~ 11-20-1926 to 06-07-2025
- Richard Paul Henderson ~ 07-26-1950 to 06-01-2025
- Rees Lyle Shattuck 08-31-1931 to 05-26-2025
- Dixie Bradley Wilkerson 10-15-1939 to 05-30-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
- Gary Ray Johnson ~ 03-10-1935 to 05-28-2025
NEWS
NOTICE:

Due to a scheduling conflict, the commissioners will not be meeting today, June 25th, for a second budget workshop. The meeting has been rescheduled for July 2nd.
Tanglewood Lakes files suit against Board of County Commissioners

Requests declaratory judgement that roads are private The Tanglewood Lakes Owners Association, Inc. (TLOA), filed a lawsuit in Linn County District Court on June 6, 2025, against the Linn County Board of County Commissioners requesting a declaratory judgement from... [More]
Case filed alleging exploitation of minors, breach of privacy

On June 20, following an extensive investigation by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, the Linn County Attorney’s Office filed a case in district court charging Erik Hellner, a Sugar Valley Lakes resident, with six separate felonies. The case originally stems from... [More]
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- CANCELED: Statewide Purple Alert issued for missing Yates Center woman
- Parker mayor seeks affidavits to file charges
- USD 346 board learns of overpayments
- NOTICE
- Commissioners discuss estimate on overlay project
- Pleasanton council meeting heated over fire personnel interviews
- La Cygne gas customers may see rate decrease
SPORTS
Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team places seventh at State, Wallace earns State championship

The Pleasanton/Jayhawk trapshooting team traveled to Wichita to compete in the Kansas Trapshooting State tournament. The tournament features more than 110 high schools and over 1,500 student athletes. Pleasanton/Jayhawk compete in the 2A competition which happened on June... [More]
Joey Ewalt impacting youth wrestling here and abroad

Prairie View’s head boys’ wrestling Coach Joey Ewalt does more for the sport than just coaching the Buffalos, he has made an impact on the sport as a wrestler, coach and official. Ewalt began his wrestling career at the very young age of four. His father, Mike Ewalt,... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk baseball on the 2025 All TRL team
- Jayhawk Linn softball has three All TRL unanimous selections
- Trenton Broyles leads Hawks at State track
- Prairie View track earns six medals at State
- Pleasanton’s Gratton wins two golds, sets meet record
- Jayhawk track breaks another school record and qualifies multiple athletes for State
- School records and State qualifiers are made for the Jays at Eureka
- Prairie View track qualifies multiple athletes for State
OBITUARIES POLICY
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Call Barbara at 913-352-6235 or e-mail linncountynewsreporter@gmail.com

