Les Springer

(From Parker Mortuary)

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, Kansas and graduated from high school there in 1952. During his early years he was know 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 4 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 grand kids. 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 December 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 grand sons 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 were 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 is planned for Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 1:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Joplin. Family will receive friends on Monday, March 27th from 5:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Thornhill-Dillion Mortuary in Joplin. In lieu of flowers, 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, Missouri.