Leslie Samuel Weller

Leslie Samuel Weller was born to Samuel and Vanita (Cunningham) Weller on August 29, 1926 at the family’s rural home north of Americus, KS. He attended a country school, District 72, then graduated from the Americus High School in 1944. He had to have his father sign permission for him to enlist in the Navy. He was sent to Virginia to Radar School and later to Out Going Duty at Camp Bradford, VA. He was later assigned to the LST 1022. His ship was assigned to Flotilla 37, Group 110, Division 220 of the Amphibious Forces of the Pacific Fleet. The ships major duty was to carry supplies, as well as a troop carrier. The ship was involved in the invasion of Okinawa, earning a Battle Star. He was discharged in June, 1946. In the fall of 1946 he enrolled at Emporia State. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Kells on December 19,1948. He graduated with a teaching degree in 1950 and a Masters in 1955. He and Kathryn were blessed with three daughters, Lesley Ann Fernandez (Jose), Cheryl Magathan, and Paula Starr (Ted). His teaching took his family to Elsmore, KS where he taught all subjects to 7th and 8th grade. He was also the principal. The family moved to Gridley, KS in 1954 where he taught Science and Math to 7th and 8th grade. He served as principal as well as Superintendent of the Common School District. The family moved to Herington in 1957, where he served as principal of the Grade School for eight years. He was elected to serve as Principal of the High School in 1966. In 1970 he was elected as Superintendent of the School District, where he served until his retirement in 1988. Les and Kathryn liked to travel and visited all 50 states. His family sent them on trips to Europe, England, and Hawaii, as well as a cruise in the Caribbean for their 60th anniversary. They liked to play golf and fishing. They especially enjoyed visits from their grandchildren, Jared Magathan, Sarah Vives, Allison Clark, and Marisa Owens and their great-grandchildren, Braedon and Autumn Magathan, Mallory and Elsie Clark, Sophie Vives, and Teddy and Lettie Owens. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or to the Herington School District 487 (with use to be determined later).