Leslie V. Link

Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in First Assembly of God, 6101 Bell St., with Reverend Sergio Urrutia of First Assembly of God in Amarillo, Reverend Gwen Rutz and Reverend Dwight Link both of Restoration Church in Seiling, Okla., officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemtery. Arrangements are by Memorial Park Funeral Home, 6969 E. Interstate 40.

Many of you have been wondering what happened to the little old man selling his peanut brittle, peanut patties and chocolate peanut clusters at the corner of Western Street and St. Francis Avenue. He went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Nobody knows when "Grandpa" Link started making candy, but all agree he deserves the title "The Candy Man." He loved his customers with the same spirit he felt for his family, church family and friends.

Leslie Vernon Link was born April 30, 1917, at home in Chester, Okla., to Adolf and Emily Louthan Link. He was the oldest of 11 children, some of whom he raised as his own after marrying Beatrice Wilcox on May 1, 1935, in Fairview, Okla. They lived in Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado before settling in Amarillo in 1956.

They moved to Clear Creek, Okla., in 1987 before returning to Amarillo in 1999. A bi-vocational minister at Calvary Gospel Tabernacle, Mr. Link also owned and operated Link's Construction Co. in Amarillo until his retirement in 1982.

After the death of his wife in 2003, Mr. Link lived in Seiling, where he was an active member at the Senior Citizen's Center. He continued making candy, playing cards and worshiping his Lord through music. A talented musician, "Grandpa" Link played the guitar, fiddle, banjo and harmonica.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and thoughts. Thanks to the Odyssey Hospice staff for their support.

Mr. Link was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Link, in 2003; a son, Ernie Link, in 2002; a brother; two sisters; a grandson; and a great-great grandson.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda O'Hara and Mary Lewis, both of Amarillo; three sons, Gerald Link and wife Judy of Channing, Ray Link and wife Hazel of Amarillo, and Wayne Link and wife Wilma of Seiling; five sisters; two brothers; 26 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; 42 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visiation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Cards and letters may be sent to 6101 I-40 West, Apt. 28, Amarillo, TX 79106.

The family suggests memorials be to Link of Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 254, Seiling, OK 73663; or www.linkofhopeministries.com.