Leonard Lee Kizzire, 76, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2018 in Coffeyville surrounded by his loving family.
Leonard was born on August 31, 1942 in Long Beach, California to Clarence and Doris (Thompson) Kizzire. He grew up in Coffeyville, Kansas where he graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School in 1960.
After high school Leonard joined the United States Navy. He proudly served his country for 8 years before receiving his honorable discharge from the military. In May of 1963 he began working for Farmland Industries; known today as CVR Energy where he worked as a carpenter and foreman for more than 45 years. He retired in October of 2008.
On July 8, 1962 he was united in marriage to his loving wife, Mary Sutherlin at the Central Baptist Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. They made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their two children, Kevin and Tina.
Leonard was a proud member of the American Legion Post #20 and served as Commander for 3 years. Leonard was an valued member of the local V.F.W. & American Legion Honor Guard. He was very actve with the Legion Riders. He was a member of the Keystone Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite of Ft. Scott, Kansas, 32°, the Shriners Mirza Temple in Pittsburg, Kansas and the Operating Engineers Union 123.
He was an avid antique tractor collector. As part of the Legion Riders, Leonard enjoyed his trike and getting together to ride with his friends. He also liked to garden. Most of all he loved the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends.
Leonard is survived by his wife, Mary Kizzire of the home; son, Kevin Kizzire and wife, Charita of Valeda, Kansas; Tina Wadkins and husband, Darin of Peculiar, Missouri; grandchildren, Tyler Kizzire of Mound Valley, Kansas; Dexter Wadkins and wife, Amber of Seneca, Missouri, Ethan Wadkins of Peculiar, Missouri; one great grandchild that will be born in April 2019; brothers, Jack Kizzire and wife, Mona of Mesa, Arizona and Roger Shaw of Kansas City, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Kizzire and mother, Doris Shaw and step father, Clarence Shaw.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville, Kansas. Chaplain Mike Graham will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Coffeyville V.F.W. Post 1022 and American Legion Post #20 Honor Guard.
The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Legion Riders; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.
David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements
