Leslie Les D. Walker

Leslie D. Walker, 89, passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Lola, and family on July 10, 2011. “Les” was born November 15, 1921 in Kansas City KS. As a young boy, he enjoyed working alongside his dad on their small family dairy. After losing his father, Leslie Joseph, at the young age of 15, Les continued to help with the dairy along with his mother, Oddra, two sisters, Eleanor and Ruth and brother, Gene. Les played basketball for Washington Rural High School and later, baseball on a recreational league. After high school graduation in 1940, he headed to San Diego CA to work as a welder for Consolidated Aircraft. While in California, letters were exchanged between Les and his girl back home, Lola Mae Vaughn. He then moved to Wichita KS and worked for Beech Aircraft. Les joined the U.S. Army-Air Corp in 1941 during WWII, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Stationed in the States, his quick typing skills were valuable for processing paperwork for soldiers. Soon Les and Lola’s relationship blossomed and they were married on October 16, 1943 at St. Patrick’s Church in Kansas City KS. Lola joined Les in Bruning NE, where he was stationed at the time.

After working for Fruehoff Trailer, Columbia Steel Tank and General Motors, Les found a good fit as a home builder. With a natural ability for working with his hands, Les became a well respected “quality” home builder and carpenter. In 1961, he launched a new career as the owner of Muncie Bowl. For 18 years, his work ethic and personality proved to be a successful mix in the bowling business which demanded long hours and good business sense.

Lola was his partner in life, whether counting money for the bowling business, raising kids or gliding along to a Glenn Miller song on the dance floor. His eight children learned Les’s work ethic by working alongside him in the family business in various capacities over the years.

Les enjoyed league bowling and tournaments, dancing to Prohaska’s Band and family vacations that included camping, boating, water skiing and trout fishing.

After Les retired from the bowling business in 1979, he and Lola packed their RV and headed to the Rio Grande Valley as new “Winter Texans”. For nearly twenty-five years, Les and Lola experienced sunshine, fun activities and dear friends at Trophy Gardens in Alamo TX during the cold Kansas winters.

Les was a member of the Boy Scouts as a young man, later the Wy-Jon Bowling Proprietors Association and the Wyandotte Optimist Club, serving a term as President. In his early years, Les and his family were members of White Church Community Church and attended White Church Grade School. At the time of his marriage, he joined the Catholic Church and became a member of St. Patrick’s Church, Kansas City KS. For the past several years, Les attended Mass and church activities at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor KS, where he was a member.

In recent months, Les received the support and care of Sacred Heart Home Health provided through the Veteran’s Administration and also Catholic Charities Hospice. He was surrounded with love and care from friends, family, his children and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His devoted wife of 67 years, Lola Mae, who lovingly called him “George”, was always at his side.

Les was a loving and faithful husband and father. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his funny and ornery “one-liners and songs” which his family enjoyed throughout his life. A standard one-liner when asked, “How are you”, Les always replied with a smile, “Still married to ol’ Lola”. He is in our hearts forever.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Lola Walker, of the home; eight children, Bill (Marianne) Walker, Ft. Worth TX, Jeanette (Patrick) Roths, Lafayette LA, Ron (Sharyn) Walker, Kansas City KS, Denise (Ed) Hoffman, Basehor KS, Leslie (Stan) McAfee, Kansas City KS, Dan (Michelle) Walker, Erie CO, Jim (Sandy) Walker, Erie CO, Jennifer (John) Newsom, Kansas City KS; 30 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren; one brother, Gene Walker, Kansas City KS. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Eleanor Taylor, Kansas City KS and Ruth Woodhead, Arlington TX.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 15, 2011 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 15408 Leavenworth Rd., Basehor, KS. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, KS, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m., prior to the Visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Catholic Charities Hospice or Holy Angels Catholic Church Development Fund, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.chapelhill-butler.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street in Kansas City, KS, (913) 334-3366.