Leslie James 'Les' Basgall, 81, passed away on July 30, 2025 in Salina, Kansas surrounded by his children. He was born to Sylvester and Florentine (Urban) Basgall on November 14, 1943 in LaCrosse, Kansas. He married Shirley Kay Schweitzer on June 20, 1970, in Wichita, Kansas. She preceded him in death, in June 2009.
Leslie graduated from LaCrosse high school LaCrosse, Kansas. He was drafted into the army in 1965 in the midst of the Vietnam war. He was a driver/mechanic in the Army and also received medals for national defense and sharpshooting. Upon discharge from the Army, Leslie began working as a clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad, where he was employed for many years. He was also a member of the Utica Lions Club. He and Shirley built their life together in Ransom, Kansas, where they lived for most of their marriage.
Survivors include his son, Jason Basgall of Ransom; two daughters, Jennifer (Shawn) Bretton of Salina, Joni (Dusty) Kisslinger of Overbrook; eight grandchildren, Desiree (Shane) Draper, Ashleigh (Ethan) LeBarge, Erianna (Daniel) De la Rosa, Daeton Winebrenner and Carissa Winebrenner, Daria, Effie, and Damaya Kisslinger. One great-grandchild, Spencer, with another to be born this fall; Sister Lucretia (Kenny) Giersch of Salina, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Shirley Ann, sister Darlene Adams; and two brothers, Ed and Donnie Basgall.
A rosary will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025 at St. Aloysius Church in Ransom, Kansas at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Aloysius Church in Ransom, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial in the Ransom Cemetery. Viewing will be on Monday, August 4, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Leslie Basgall Funeral Fund.
Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.