Leo Ronald Langlois

May 31, 1930 – October 7, 2023

Lawrence, Kansas — Leo R. Langlois, 93, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence after a long illness. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Ramona (Miller) Langlois who died August 5, 2022. He is survived by two children, Kathy Jeanne Schoenwandt and her husband Steve of Lawrence, KS, and Joleen Marie Schaake of San Marcos, California; three sisters, Simone C. Langlois of Gardner, MA, Leonne J. Perrault of Gardner, MA, and Paulette T. Bergeron of Kennebunk, ME; five grandchildren, Monica Roberts, Jeff Roberts, and Karen Roberts, all of Lawrence, KS, Sarah (Aaron Tatko) Schaake, San Marcos, CA, and Caroline Schaake, Honolulu, HI; six great grandchildren, Savannah, Joseph, Michael, Olivia, Aiden, Liam; one great-great grandchild, Ellyus. He was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters, Ernest J. Langlois, Jr., Estelle P. Griffin, Constance L. Hamel, Roland D. Langlois, James L. Langlois, Joan M. Hamel, Jacqueline A. Langlois, Eugene A. Langlois, and George Langlois.

Leo was born in Gardner, MA, son of the late Ernest J. and Olivine J. (Beaudet) Langlois, and was a graduate of the High School of Commerce and received his undergraduate degree in business/accounting from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. He was a decorated combat veteran of the Korean War, having served four years in the United States Air Force as a gunner/electronic countermeasure crew member on several USAF aircraft. Leo has been a resident of the State of Kansas since his discharge in 1955. He worked for the Department of Administration, State of Kansas, from 1959-1966 in Topeka, Kansas and for the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, from 1966 until his retirement in 1992. All of his working experience was in accounting and in varying capacities in the KU Comptroller’s office, retiring as Associate Comptroller. Leo was an avid golfer, loved music, history, going to airshows, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

As a Life Member of the Lawrence Breakfast Optimist Club, he filled most local administrative positions including president. Leo was also a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Lawrence chapter, a Life Member of the Air Force Gunner’s Association, and a Life Member of the American Legion Post #14 Dorsey-Liberty, serving as Commander in 1998-99. In 2013 he was selected for the Veterans Honor Flight which recognizes veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C., to see their memorial.

Leo was an active member of the Corpus Christi Catholic Church, serving on the Finance Council for nine years and as chair for two years. He enjoyed serving on the Council during the planning and construction of the Corpus Christi church in Lawrence.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the devotion and care Leo and Ramona received from the caregivers at Ascend Hospice, Caregivers, Pioneer Ridge and Bridge Haven. The support they provided to Leo, Ramona, and the family was a crucial part of their comfort and wellbeing in their final years. They are forever in our hearts.

Services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Lawrence, Kansas, on Thursday, October 12, 2023. The rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by visitation, with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be a church luncheon after the mass. Burial will follow the luncheon at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66049, www.cccparish.org or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044, who is assisting the family with arrangements.