Emory Leon Kentch, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away Wednesday afternoon, January 31, 2024, at his home. Born October 20, 1939, in Burnham MO to Emory and Lula (Turner) Kentch, he was 84 years old.
Leon was married to Glenna Ruth (Johnson) Kentch on February 5, 1960. They had two children together. After high school, he worked at Conway Winter and Rawlings Sporting Goods in Willow Springs before taking a job at Mid-America Dairymen in Cabool, MO, where he worked for 35 years before retiring in 1999. After moving in 1969 to the farm which was his residence at the time of his death, Leon began cattle farming, a “job” he loved. Through the years, he expanded his operation beyond his farm, buying and renting various pieces of land in the area for his many head of cattle. Leon served in his church and community for many years. He was a member of the board of the Willow Springs Senior Housing. He was also a Deacon for many years at the First Christian Church of Willow Springs and was Chairman of the Board at the time of his passing. His greatest attribute was his love for God and love and devotion to his family. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, investing in their lives in countless ways. Leon will be remembered by his family and friends for his quiet, kind demeanor, always ready to help anyone who needed it. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Emory and Lula, and his brother, Kenneth.
Leon is survived by his wife and their children: Cheryl Kentch Fiedler of Farmington, CT and Keith Kentch of Topeka, KS. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Gabrielle Kentch and Christian Kentch, both of Topeka, KS; Lindsay Fiedler and Alexandra Fiedler, both of Farmington, CT. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Claudene Freeman and her husband Gerald and his nephew Matthew, of Willow Springs; his brother-in-law, Richard Johnson of Williston, SC, and his sister-in law, Linda Baker and her husband Charles, of McLouth, KS.
A graveside service for Leon will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 11:00 am at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona, MO with Pastor Bob Martin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials may be made in his name to the First Christian Church of Willow Springs. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. On-line condolences for the family may be made at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
