Leonard W. Purinton, 92, died Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Good Samaritan Society, Ellis.  He was born August 4, 1923 on a ranch south of Collyer to Ray and Leona (Ward) Purinton.  He attended Banner Grade School and was a 1941 graduate of Trego Community High School.

Leonard married Irene C. Royce on September 15, 1946 in Smith Center. She preceded in him in death on August 13, 2012.  He was a lifelong farmer/rancher and had a passion for collecting fossils, many of them found on the family farm. He cherished time with family and friends, collecting antiques and traveling with Irene across the entire United States, Canada and Mexico. He was a U.S. Army Air Force veteran, serving during World War II.

Leonard was a member of the First United Methodist Church, WaKeeney, American Legion Post 197, WaKeeney Masonic Lodge 148 and Wakeeney Eastern Star.

Survivors include four sons, Wayne Purinton and wife Sandy of WaKeeney; Chuck Purinton of Lincoln, CA; Ron Purinton and wife Cindy of Citrus Heights, CA; Ed Purinton and wife Debby of WaKeeney; five grandchildren Troy Purinton, Gina (Chris) Herren, Royce (Megan) Purinton, Clete (Ashleigh) Purinton and Shawnee (Scott) Legere; eleven great grandchildren Madelyn Del Greco, Chloe Purinton, Gabriele Herren, Isaac Purinton, Elizabeth Herren, Katherine Herren, Zack Purinton, Amelia Purinton, Caroline Purinton, Xander Purinton and Brooks Legere; and two sisters, Leulla Kephart and Hazel Rocco (Sam).  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruby Cue (Elmer).

Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7th at First United Methodist Church, WaKeeney.  Interment to follow at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery, WaKeeney.

Visitation on Sunday, Dec. 6th with family receiving friends from 5-7p.m. at Schmitt Funeral Home, WaKeeney.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions are suggested to First United Methodist Church, WaKeeney, or Trego County Historical Society.  Checks made to the organization may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

Condolences may be left for the family by signing the guest book on this page.