Leslie S. Weller

Leslie Samuel Weller was born to Samuel and Vanita (Cunningham) Weller on August 29, 1926 at the family rural home north of Americus, Kansas.

He attended a country school, District 72, then graduated from Americus High School in 1944. He had to have his fathers permission to then enlist in the Navy at 17. He was sent to Virginia to Radar school, and later to Out Going Duty at Camp Bradford VA. Leslie was then assigned to the LST 1022. His ship was assigned to Flotilla 37, Group 110, Division 220 of the Amhibious Forces of the Pacific Fleet. The ships major duty was to supply as well as serve as a troop carrier. The ship was involved in the invasion of Okinawa, earning a battle star.

He was discharged in June 1946. That fall, Leslie enrolled in College in Emporia. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Kells on December 19, 1948. He went on to graduate with a teaching degree in 1950 and a Masters in 1955.

To this union, three daughters were born; Lesley Ann Fernandez, Cheryl Magathan, and Paula Starr.

His teaching took his family to Elsmore, Kansas, where he taught 7th and 8th grade, all subjects. He was also the Principal. The family moved to Gridley, Kansas in 1954 where he taught science and math to 7th and 8th grade. He served as Principal as well as the Superintendent of the Common School District.

The family then moved to Herington in 1957, where he served as Principal of the grade school for 8 years. He was elected to serve as Principal of the High School in 1966. Then, in 1970, was elected as Superintendent of the School District, where he served until his retirement in 1988.

Les and Kathryn liked to travel, in fact to all 50 states. His family sent them on trips to Europe, England, and Hawaii, as well as a ship voyage to the Caribbean Sea for their 60th anniversary. Kathryn preceded him in death. The two also enjoyed golfing, fishing, and visits with their grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Cremation is planned, and a memorial service will take place at a later date. Leslie will be laid to rest with his wife at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.

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