Leonard Essie Members

Life’s Reflections

Leonard Essie Members passed away on January 3, 2019 at his daughter’s (Renee) home in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was born on October 25, 1923 in the town of Transylvania, in the state of Louisiana to Charley & Elnora Gentry-Members. His early years were spent on the family farm where his parents were share croppers. After his father’s death his mother moved the family to Arkansas. There he experienced the flood of 1929 that he often talked about.  Leonard later answered the call to sere his country, joining the Army in 1943 where he was trained as a marksman for the 653rd receiving the good conduct medal and a statement of good character. He was honorably discharged in 1944.

Over the course of his life he worked for Dick Smith Ford, Hostess Bakery, Catholic Charities. The latter parts of his life he worked for Kelly’s Bar and grill in Westport with devoted friends Pat and Kyle Kelly, becoming a loving part of their family in the process. Leonard retired from Kelly’s after 28 years of loyal service.  Leonard worked and resided at Welcome house until 2017, there he developed devoted relationships many of the residents and was particularly close with Michael Leahy and several others. There he served as counselor friend, mentor and grounds keeper until he was removed in August 2017. Leonard being and avid gardener keeping not only the grounds of the Welcome house but that of a number of families in his spare time in his younger years.

Leonard was married Arlene Turner in 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his ex-wife Arlene; his brother, David Members; sister, Julia Members; and his parents.

Leonard is survived by his loving daughters, grandchildren, relatives and lifelong devoted friends.

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