Victor Leon Lais
Newton -- Victor Leon Lais was born on May 15, 1937, at home
in Marion to Victor Emmanuel Lais and LaVaune Sarah (Mcklbbin) Lais. Losing his
mother at the age of 6, Leon, along with his older brother, Jackie Dean, was
raised by his grandparents Alice Marie (Smith) and William Wesley McKibbin and
his aunts and uncles in their family home In Marion. Leon was to suffer another
loss when his brother was killed In a car accident on the evening of Leon's
eighth-grade promotion. Leon's father preceded him in death in 1986.
Leon was a hard worker, starting his first job of setting
bowling pins at the age of 9 and working on a farm throughout his teen years.
Leon attended Marion public schools, and by the time he entered high school, he
was a dedicated student and accomplished athlete, involved In football,
basketball and track.
His family still hears about his "pretty legs"
from being so athletic. He also served as senior class president and made many
lifelong friends with his classmates. Leon had a good head for figures and a
desire to continue his education. After graduating high school in 1955, he was
able to attend one year at Kansas Wesleyan University before it became too
expensive to continue. Leon attended and was a member of the Christian Church
In Marion.
In 1958, Leon met Frances Donella Thornton through a mutual
friend. However, it was Leon's 1958 Chevy impala, painted Asian Turquoise, that
first caught her eye. After dating several months, Leon's love for his car was
eclipsed by his love for his future wife when he painted their initials on the
interior lights. They married on May 10, 1959, at the Marion Christian Church.
They spent 52 years together as husband and wife. For their 50th anniversary,
they were able to celebrate with a vacation to Beaver Lake with their children
and families, followed by a cruise with Donella's sister and her husband.
These trips were both highlights for Leon. Together, Leon
and Donella had two daughters, DaLonna (Del) Schroeder, Hesston, and DaNaye
Bowyer (partner Ernie Aragon), Newton. Their family would continue to grow with
the births of the three granddaughters, Ashley (Garrett) Crider, Erin Schroeder
and Caitlin Bowyer. In 2011, Bently Michael Crider was welcomed into the family
as the first great-grandchild.
The Lais family moved to Newton in 1963, buying their
current home in 1965. After different jobs working for a rock quarry, in the
oil fields and delivering bread, Leon began working at AGCO Corp. when it was
still Hesston Corp. and retired In 2010 after 44 years of service. Leon was a
dependable and hard worker. He rarely missed a day, and many times took on
extra hours. Throughout his life, he often worked at second jobs to provide for
his family. His family learned a strong work ethic through his example.
In earlier years, Leon enjoyed hunting and fishing with
fellow family members. Even when his health began to decline, Leon found pleasure
in the outdoors, especially camping. Many of the family vacations included
camping in Colorado and family outings at Harvey County East Lake. In later
years, he enjoyed following his granddaughters' activities. Leon also was a
prominent member at many summers of Girl Scout camp. People could depend on him
to be prepared, be organized, help in any way, and he would always leave a camp
area cleaner and nicer than he found it.
During the years, many a pet found a loving spot in Leon's
lap. Lately, Tootsie, a gray cockatiel, could always count on sitting on Leon's
knee and getting a popcorn treat.
Leon suffered from his first heart attack at the age of 33.
For the remaining years of his life, Leon would suffer through many cardiac
health issues. From his medical records, it would seem like Leon had a very
weak heart. However, his family and friends know his heart was strong and he
had an even stronger will to live. Leon was a very quiet person, yet had a
great wit about him. He was known for his teasing and jokes, and the family
always knew he was feeling good when his humor was in evidence. He faced life
with strength and courage, enduring many procedures and surgeries during a
40-year span. In July 2011, Leon's health began to decline. Throughout the last
three weeks of Leon's life, he bravely realized his earthly time was coming to
an end. He was able to come home for the last week of his life and, surrounded
by his loving family, died peacefully on Wednesday (May 2, 2012).
While he was not a man of many words, his love for his
family was evident. He handled life circumstances with dignity. After his many
years of caring for his loved ones, his family feels blessed to have been able
to care for him and find peace that he is in his eternal home.
Funeral service will be on Monday at Salem United Methodist
Church In Newton. Family and friends are invited to a coffee and fellowship
time at 1:30 p.m. with the service to begin at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Prairie
Lawn Cemetery in Peabody. There will be a visitation time from 4 to 8 p.m.
Sunday at Salem United Methodist Church. Family members will be present from 6
to 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial
Hospice and the Newton Humane Society, in care of Baker Funeral Home.
