Leon John Hammerschmidt, passed away on his 80th birthday, Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at Red Bud in Plainville, KS.
From the humblest of beginnings, Leon was born August 31, 1941 in
rural Victoria, Kansas to Joe and Matilda Hammerschmidt, the 5th of 13
children. He grew up on a farm in a small, three bedroom farmhouse. He
attended school and only completed 8th Grade before he went to work in
the oilfield to help support and provide for his siblings and parents.
He married Melba Jean Fisher on September 14, 1964 in Zurich, Kansas
and together they began building their life and family. From this
union, six children were born - five daughters and one son.
“The strength of a man is in his character. A strong man is a great
man of wisdom, who understands his top priority is to his family.” -
Ellen J. Barrier
Leon was a provider for his family. He worked (before) sun up to sun
down. He learned and loved the oilfield, and all the people who were a
part of it. Together with his wife, they established Leon’s Drilling
Service; as well as a partnership with a close friend - C & L Well
Service, H & H Oil with two of his brothers, and after selling the
rigs Leon’s Consulting. Over the years, he employed numerous local
friends and neighbors who were treated more like family. He led by
example and would never ask anyone to do something that he wasn’t
already doing himself. Leon officially retired after working for 60
years in the oilfield.
His children’s education was important to him. Only formally
educated until the 8th Grade, it was a priority for him that all 6 of
his children graduated from college. He even had a “rule” that they
couldn’t get married until they completed their degree, which they all
did. He was a generous benefactor to Sacred Heart Grade School and to
Sacred Heart Church.
Above all, he was strong in his faith which led to his life full of
blessings. Leon was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and
the Knights of Columbus. He gave selflessly and abundantly of his time,
talent and treasure to his church. He taught his family the importance
of daily prayer and weekly mass. On weekends, he not only attended every
Mass, he was there to turn the lights on, open the doors and greet
everyone. He was the last to leave the church as he wanted to make sure
all the lights were off. After retirement, he attended all the weekday
masses and ushered at every funeral.
“A Man leaves his mark on the world with the love he gives his Children.”
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 58 years, Melba of
the home; His Children: Marla (Douglas) Jones of Overland Park; Sandra
(Norman) Keller of Hays; Jamie (Denise) Hammerschmidt of Highlands
Ranch, CO; Kelli (Christopher) Hansen of Plainville; Amanda (Mitch) Mayo
of Colorado Springs, CO; Nicole (Tony) Dopita of Hays, KS. His
Grandchildren: Alex and Trevor Jones; Lauren and London Keller; Jordan
and Hunter Hammerschmidt; Noah, Benjamin, and Kate Hansen; Zachary and
Luke Mayo; and Emily and Lawrence Dopita.
His Brother, William (Cecile) Hammerschmidt, Plainville; Sisters:
Alice Arnold, Hutchinson, Mary Hammersmith, Hays, Jo Ann Jacobs,
LaCrosse and Theresa Conboy, Topeka. In Laws: June Mongeau, Plainville;
Fred and Terry Fisher, Plainville, Connie Fisher, Plainville, Connie
and Dennis Keller, Zurich; Jean and Don Larsen of Russell, and many
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Matilda
Hammerschmidt and his siblings, Peter Hammerschmidt, Rose Heidel, Robert
Hammerschmidt, Leo Hammerschmidt, Ernest Hammerschmidt, Tom
Hammerschmidt and Elaine Sunley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 4, 2021,
10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville, Kansas.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 1:00 P.M. until
3:00 P.M at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home. Family will receive guests
beginning at 5:00pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Vigil will begin
at 6:00 pm at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests
memorials to Team Trevor. Checks must be made out to Marla Jones and may
be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St.
Plainville, Kansas 67663.
Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.
Matthew 25:23