Leon L. Christmas, 68, of Iola died Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Harry Hynes Hospice Unit at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.
He was born Feb. 24, 1942, in Chanute, to Lester A. and Theada M. (Hartman) Christmas. He grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1960.
He worked as a truck driver, starting with his father and later owning his own truck. He also worked for Midland Brake and drove trucks for Ace Electric and HiLo before his retirement.
He was married to Judith Pohlenz for 37 years before they divorced. On Oct. 15, 1999, he married Sylvia Perry. They moved from Columbus to Iola to make their home.
He was a member of Kansas Army National Guard for several years. He liked working with horses and on old tractors.
He is survived by his wife of the home; a son, Alan Christmas and his wife, Dawn, Roseland; two daughters, Robyn Acker and Karyn Harry, Pittsburg; five stepsons, Jason Kelley, Overland Park, Matt Snyder, Omaha, Ark., and Ronnie Snyder, Donnie Snyder and Brandon Ivey, Columbus; a brother, Mick Christmas, Buffalo; two sisters, Donna Harry, Bastrop, Texas, and Gloria Thurman of Vernon, Texas; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A brother, Phillip, and two grandchildren, Tremayne Acker and Ryan Snyder, died earlier.
Cremation has taken place.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapels of Iola is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at iolafuneral.com.
Leon Christmas
