Leonard Leroy Burgoon

Leonard Leroy Burgoon was born June 16, 1916, at Rantoul, Kansas. He was the son of Isaac and Maynetta (Storm) Burgoon. A lifelong resident, he made his home in the Rantoul and Ottawa area, until his death Wednesday, October 2, 2002, at the age of eighty-six years. He graduated from Rantoul High School with the class of 1934. Leonard worked as a plumber for Carey Plumbing in Ottawa and later for Norris Brothers in Lawrence. He also worked for other plumbing contractors over the years. Mr. Burgoon served with the United States Army from December of 1942 to November of 1945, during World War II. His tour of duty included Central Europe, Rhineland, Rome, Normandy, Naples, Northern France, and he received decorations and citations including European Theater Ribbon with one Silver Service Star, one Bronze Service Star and one Bronze Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal, and World War II Victory Ribbon. Leonard was initiated into membership of Plumbers & Pipefitters Union #763 on May 19, 1950. He was also a member of the Ottawa Saddle Club. Leonard loved horses and enjoyed horseback riding and hunting. He also enjoyed traveling and camping at Pomona Lake. On September 22, 1937, Leonard was united in marriage with Goldie Beatrice 'Betty' Heilman at Garnett, Kansas. She preceded him in death on December 16, 1996. He is also preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry Burgoon; infant daughter, Shirley Burgoon; four brothers, Arthur, William, Roy, and Clifford Burgoon; and, two sisters, Beulah Burgoon and Elise Sopher. He is survived by his niece, Donna Mallicoat of Ottawa; granddaughter, Cherie Tucker and her husband, Trevor, of Ottawa; two great-granddaughters, Ariel Tucker and Avery Tucker; one great-grandson, Alexzander Tucker; many nieces and nephews; and, sister-in-law, Mary Burgoon. SERVICES: Family and friends will meet at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2002, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa, and process to Woodlawn Cemetery in Pomona for 10:00 a.m. graveside services, with military honors by Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post #5901. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Steven Iwersen. IN STATE: Mr. Burgoon will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 9:00 a.m. Friday to the service hour. CEMETERY: Woodlawn Cemetery, Pomona Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Franklin County Cancer Foundation, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.