Leslie Eugene McIntosh

Reflections of Life
 

A Loving Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Father, and Friend. . .

Leslie Eugene McIntosh, Sr. was born to Robert P. McIntosh and Portia G. McDaniel on December 14, 1936. He was the third child and the second son in the eventual family of twelve children. He grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He attended the now historical Dunbar Grade School, Northeast Jr. High School, and graduated from Sumner High School in 1954.

Leslie went on to attend Pittsburg Teacher’s College on a music scholarship playing the trombone. As his longtime passion was to be a professional barber, Leslie subsequently transferred from the college to attend and complete his training at the Pittsburg Barber College in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Leslie fulfilled his dream by establishing “Leslie’s Barbershop” at 1936 N. 5th Street and was a sole entrepreneur for over 50 years. He did have several different barbers join with him during that time, and they establish themselves under his tutelage. Leslie and his associates satisfied literally thousands of patrons. Leslie also worked the midnight shift at the Sante Fe Railway as a switchman for almost 17 years.

Leslie’s Barber Shop was truly his first love. Leslie’s irresistible laughter, his strictness for respect, and his demand for dignity actually caused “The Shop”, as it was lovingly called, to transform into a living entity in and of itself. The shop became a meeting place where several Kansas City, Kansas government policies actually had their origin; allowed many men to learn the realities of manhood; sanctioned some fatherless boys to gain the love they sought; granted everyone that came a special gift of joy that will remain their unique memory forever.

Leslie was married to Velma Allen and with that union a son, Leslie Jr. was born. After a duration of time, Leslie subsequently met and married Melba Greene who previously had two children -- Monica and Craig.

Leslie accepted Christ as a child at St. Peter’s CME Church in Kansas City, Kansas. In later years, he joined and was baptized at the Macedonia Baptist Church of Kansas City, Missouri. Leslie remained a faithful member until his health declined.

Leslie went home to be with the LORD on September 26, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Portia McIntosh; and one brother, Maurice McIntosh.

Leslie is survived by and leaves to cherish his memory Melba McIntosh, two sons: Steve Williams and Leslie Jr., eight brothers and two sisters: Robert P. (Ruth), Donna Marie Moore, Gerald (Teresa), Marvin (Deborah), John (Michelle), Larry (Stephanie), Frederick, Warren, Durane, and Patricia Wert (Roy), three grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We will miss him dearly.

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