Daniel R. Leslie

Daniel R. Leslie, 81, of Richland, went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, April 22, 2014. In the last hours of his life he was able to have some wonderful moments surrounded by his family and several close friends.

Dan was born July 1, 1932 in Portland, Oregon to Marie and Pat Leslie. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, John and Elsie Hixson, known to everyone as Mom and Pop Hixson. He and his only brother, Teddy, were the last additions to this large family of 12 children. His early years were spent in Toppenish where he graduated from “Top” High. He often enjoyed regaling audiences with his adventures as a young boy training wild mustangs caught in the Horse Heaven Hills and selling them for pocket money. He and the entire Hixson family were sheep shearers and traveled the West. Starting in early spring each year, they traveled through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming going from ranch to ranch to earn their living. His love of the outdoors began early in life, hunting and fishing to help feed this large family.

Mom and Pop Hixson were devout members of the Toppenish Tabernacle Pentecostal Church and this is where Dan gave his heart to the Lord at an early age. He loved to tell how he was at his first church service at only 5 days old. He was called into ministry at 16. It was there in that church that he met and married his wife, of 57 years, Wanda Marie Estes at just 18 years old.

Dan and Wanda’s son, Michael was born in Toppenish in 1951. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Southeast Missouri where their three daughters, Barbara, Carol and Brenda were born. They served as pastors to several different churches in that area.

In 1964, they returned to the Yakima Valley and accepted the pastorate of the Yakima United Pentecostal Church and served for 43 years. During this time their family grew to include many grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Dan worked for Jake Frank Tire Company for many years after his return the Valley. Throughout his life, he considered the Frank boys some of his closest friends.

In 1967, Wanda and Daniel co-founded Dan Leslie Roofing Company, now Leslie & Campbell Inc, which is currently operated by the next generation, and many of the 3rd generation are employed there.

He was a natural born leader and served in many capacities as an elected official with the Washington District United Pentecostal Church, and the last years of his ministry as the State Superintendent. During this time, he loved his travels to many different countries on missions’ trips.

Dan had many varied interests in his life. He loved spending time with his family. He was a loving grandpa, and would tell each grandchild, he or she was his “favorite.” He thoroughly enjoyed teasing his grandchildren above all else. He was an avid animal lover, raising and training horses, hawks and dogs.

In 2008, Dan met and married his present wife Carrol and they made their home in Richland. He spent his last years there boating, traveling and enjoyed relaxing in their home. He was a member of the Tower of Pentecostal Church in Richland.

He is survived by his wife, Carrol Leslie, children Barbara (Roger) Campbell, Brenda (Gary) Choate of Yakima, Carol (Steven) Smith of Camas, WA, daughter in law, Judy Glass of Bellingham, WA; twelve grandchildren, Lisa (Dar) Holleman, Michelle Leslie-Allen, Brad (Lorisa) Campbell, Brandon Campbell, Daniel (Jennifer) Leslie, Brett Campbell, Sarah Leslie, Danielle Smith, Joshua (Erica) Meadows, Josiah Meadows, Leslie Smith and Shaddia Meadows; six great-grandchildren, Hailey Allen, Taylor Allen, Alexis Holleman, Justin Holleman, Anthony Riojas, Alyssa Campbell, Alivia Smith, Leah Leslie, Michael Leslie, Jacob Meadows, and Ivy Campbell; great-great grandchild, Carson Allen; a step daughter, Loretta (Lee) Jackson of Richland, step son, Berschel Howard of Tulsa, OK and one step grandson, Miller Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Marie Leslie and son, Michael Daniel Leslie.

Visitation will be held at Langenvin-Mussetter Funeral Home on Friday, April 25, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral service will be held at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Concluding services and burial will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. To celebrate the life of Dan and share a memory visit www.lmfuneralhome.com.