Joe Broyles

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Joe Broyles (“Joe”), age 81, of Gainesville, FL, formerly of Topeka, KS, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Radiance of Gainesville Assisted Living Facility.

Joe was born on July 6, 1944, in Miami, OK, to Leslie Elmer Broyles and June McCoy. As a young man, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch from Baxter Springs, KS, to Joplin, MO, in 1960. He graduated from Baxter Springs High School with the Class of 1962. Following graduation, he attended Kansas State College of Pittsburg (now Pittsburg State University), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967. While at the university, he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He also participated in ROTC and was active in missionary work through the Baptist Student Union.

Joe proudly served in the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam in 1967 as a forward observer with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement against hostile forces and returned home after two years with the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1969, he returned to Kansas State College to complete a Master’s degree in Mathematics and earn his teaching credentials. While attending college, he joined an Army Reserve unit in Joplin, MO, and was appointed commander. In 1971, he moved to Beloit, KS, where he taught junior high mathematics and coached football and basketball. During this time, he joined the Kansas National Guard and was appointed commander of an engineer company based in Concordia and Mankato, KS.

In 1973, Joe accepted a position with the Kansas National Guard and moved to Manhattan, KS, where he served as a training officer for an Engineer Battalion in a federal civil service role. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Captain in the National Guard. Three years later, he accepted a position at State Headquarters in Topeka, KS, working at the United States Property and Fiscal Office as a programmer analyst. In 1979, Joe was selected as one of the “Outstanding Young Men of America” for his contributions to his community and country. He continued his distinguished service as chief auditor, purchasing and contracting officer, and ultimately head of logistics for the Kansas National Guard, during which he was also appointed state headquarters commander.

Joe retired from federal service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1995 but continued serving in the National Guard until his full retirement in 2004. Over the years, he was activated for temporary duty several times, including Olympic security duty in Atlanta, a seven-month assignment in Alaska, and numerous strategic planning assignments. He also arranged for decommissioned military tanks to be placed in Baxter Springs, Galena, and other Kansas communities, and considered it one of the great privileges of his life to serve his country and help protect the peace and freedoms of the nation he loved.

Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoyed the simple pleasures and adventures that life offered. He spent many happy hours golfing, playing billiards, boating, and taking motorcycle trips. He was also an avid traveler who enjoyed seeing new places across the United States and around the world. Those who knew Joe well will remember his sharp and unmistakable sarcastic sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke and had a way of bringing unexpected laughter into a room. That playful spirit was a lasting part of his charm.

Although Joe’s accomplishments were significant, it was his devotion to his family that defined him most. He was a loving father and grandfather, a dedicated public servant, and a man who lived with purpose, curiosity, and quiet strength. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the many lives he touched through his service, mentorship, and friendship. He will be deeply and dearly missed.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and June Broyles, and his former wife, Virginia Means. He is survived by his daughter, Emily (Todd) of Gainesville, FL, and his grandson, Greyson; his former wife, Vicki Brunskill Stus of Gainesville, FL; four sisters, Peggy Sutherland (Brent) of Galena, KS; Patty Warren of Sparks, NV; Beth Cullum (Jim) of Baxter Springs, KS; and Mary Broyles of Baxter Springs, KS; three nieces, four nephews, two great-nephews, and one great-niece.

Funeral services with military rites will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Burial will follow at Baxter Springs Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 27, at Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel. Pallbearers will be Brent Sutherland, Jim Cullum, Todd Bartley, Wayne Cook, Pete Letch, Andrew Powell, and Christopher Elliott. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association under Joe’s tribute page.

Alzheimer's Association Link: https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/emilybartley6066/joe-broyles