Billy L. Leib

Billy L. Leib, 72, of Ottawa, passed away at his residence Wednesday, August 9, 2017. Family will meet with friends from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Sunday, August 13, 2017, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Please feel free to wear your Royals shirt or camo. A private family interment will be held later at Wellsville Cemetery, Wellsville, Kansas. Billy was born January 20, 1945, in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of Bill and Bette (Miller) Leib. He spent his school years fishing, shooting guns and being ornery in Waverly, Kansas before graduating with the class of 1963. Billy was formerly married to Patty Gallagher and they raised two children in Wellsville, Kansas. Bill began his work in construction with the Wellsville Lumber Yard in the early 1970s then later worked for Construction Materials before retiring. He served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. Billy moved to Ottawa in the 1980s where he made his home until his death. Billy was an avid outdoorsman and his calendar revolved around the hunting and fishing seasons. If it was ‘opening day’ you may not have known where he was, but you definitely knew what he was doing. Pheasant, quail, turkey and deer hunting in western Kansas along with elk hunting with his brother in Idaho were his favorites. Bill was a major Royals fan and rarely missed watching a game. He would often find it difficult to balance his social life with getting home in time for the opening pitch. As much as he loved the Royals, the Kansas Jayhawks were also dear to his heart. Billy enjoyed growing large gardens, daily coffee with friends, playing poker every week along with the occasional trip to the casinos. Above all, Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved passing on the fine art of fishing to his grandchildren. He was a member of the Ottawa Lodge 803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Survivors include his two children, Lisa Anne (Leib) Newson and husband Doug of Kansas City, Missouri, and Corey Leon Leib and wife Heather of Goddard; sister, Debbie Sump and husband Dean of Ottawa; two brothers, Michael Leib and wife Sandra of Lawrence, and Steve Leib and wife Carolyn of Moscow, Idaho; five grandchildren; one great grandchild; and three step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family suggests memorial contributions to Elizabeth Layton Center or Prairie Paws Animal Shelter c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Billy’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com