Leon Christmas

Leon L. Christmas, 68, of Iola, Kansas, died Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at the Harry Hynes Hospice Unit at St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. Leon was born February 24, 1942, at Chanute, Kansas, the son of Lester A. and Theada M. (Hartman) Christmas. He grew up in Iola and graduated from Iola High School in 1960. Leon worked mainly as a truck driver starting out by working with his father and later owning his own truck. He also worked for Midland Brake and drove trucks for Ace Electric and HiLo before retiring. He was married to Judith Pohlenz for 37 years before they divorced. On October 15, 1999, Leon married Sylvia Perry and they moved from Columbus, Kansas to Iola to make their home. He was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard for several years, and loved working with horses and on old tractors. SURVIVORS: Wife: Sylvia Christmas of the home 1 Son: Alan Christmas & wife, Dawn of Roseland, KS 2 Daughters: Robyn Acker of Pittsburg, KS and Karyn Harry of Pittsburg, KS 5 Step-Sons: Jason Kelley of Overland Park, KS, Matt Snyder of Omaha, AR, Ronnie Snyder of Columbus, KS, Donnie Snyder of Columbus, KS and Brandon Ivey of Columbus, KS 1 Brother: Mick Christmas of Buffalo, KS 2 Sisters: Donna Harry of Bastrop, TX and Gloria Thurman of Vernon, TX 19 Grandchildren & 1 Great Grandchild He was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Christmas and two grandchildren, Tremayne Acker and Ryan Snyder. Cremation has taken place. GRAVESIDE SERVICE: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 14, 2010, at Highland Cemetery in Iola. Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .