William “Bill” Lavern Leslie

The Memorial Service for Bill Leslie, 93, Lecompton has been rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Lecompton United Methodist Church, Lecompton, KS. The family will greet friends prior to the service at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the church.

 

William (Bill) Lavern Leslie, 93, Lecompton, died Thursday December 26, 2019 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living facility in Lawrence Kansas. Bill, surrounded by family and friends, peacefully joined his wife of 71 years, Betty. No burial date has been set.

Bill was born June 21, 1926 in Lecompton, KS, to Henry P. and Nettie F. (McClure) Leslie. He graduated from Lecompton High School where he met and married the love of his life, Betty Webber. Bill, with his brother Homer, farmed the homestead and many other farms in the Lecompton/Perry area. He couldn’t imagine doing anything else than raising crops, milking and raising livestock. He was truly in a profession meant for him. He loved to reminisce about the old days, and share his experiences, mixed with his witticisms, which always made for a memorable visit.

Being active in his community was something Bill was proud of. He served on the Township board twice (once when he was 80) the ASCS board, Farm Bureau Board and on the local school board for 17 years. He worked tirelessly for the building of the Lecompton bridge.

Bill married Betty L. Webber on March 7, 1947 in Oskaloosa, KS. She preceded him in death on September 25, 2018. Survivors include his daughter, Bonny (Steve) Fugett; two sons, Dennis (Joy) Leslie, and Jim (Gena) Leslie; brother, Homer Leslie; seven grandchildren: Dennis Leslie, Stacy Slater, John Leslie, Torrie Ellis, Julie Fugett, Andy Leslie, Jennifer Goetz; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lecompton Historical Society or Lecompton United Methodist Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

4 Condolences

  1. GREG HOWARD on December 27, 2019 at 12:37 pm

    Bill was a great member of the community of Lecompton and will be very much missed as a treasured part of our community. Carol and I send our sympathy to the family as they experience this loss. He truly loved Lecompton of that there is no doubt. RIP Bill until we meet again.



  2. Charles L Bloss Jr & M. Beth Bloss on December 29, 2019 at 6:42 am

    Bill and Betty were the best neighbors a person could ask for. I stopped and chatted with Bill ,Homer, Betty, and the rest of the family every chance I got. Bill , Homer, and Betty sold us some land on the corner and we built our home over thirty years ago. I frequently called Bill to ask for advice, and information. I never had a question he could not answer. We frequently talked about things from his past, which was about the best history lesson a person could get. I will miss him so much, as we talked most every day. Betty made the best apple pie I ever tasted. One day she called and asked me to stop by, she had made one for us. I could go on for a long time about how the friendship with Bill and his family enriched our lives. I will miss you and Betty so very much.



  3. Eric LeRoux on December 29, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    My condolences to the family, Bill and Betty where always there to help anyone I first meet Bill and Homer as a teenager working with my dad on farm equipment they owned.
    Rest in peace. Bill.



  4. Richard Hedges on January 6, 2020 at 9:48 am

    Bonny, so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



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