Robert O. Leslie

Robert Oscar Leslie was born November 18, 1931 in rural Gunn City, Missouri, the son of Ralph and Agnes (Gilleland) Leslie. He departed his earthly life on May 21, 2025 at Crown Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.

Robert graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1949 and moved to Chicago to work manual jobs for his uncle. After returning home, he married Arlene Baldwin on June 24, 1951. Soon after, he entered the US Army (1952-1954) where he worked as a mechanic and driver for his commanding officers while stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon his return, he and Arlene moved to Kansas City, Missouri where they raised their family and resided for the next 60 years. After he retired from the trucking business, they moved back to their farmstead where they remained until their deaths. Robert was a member of Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City but had attended Gunn City Christian Church in recent years.

Even though the farm life was something Robert ran from as a young man, it became his happy place as an adult. During his working years, most weekends found him and his family at the farm helping his parents and in-laws or fishing and hunting. After retirement to the farm, he enjoyed working with his cattle, feeding his birds, cultivating huge gardens, and using his chainsaw. Robert never met a stranger and always said that if you talked to someone long enough, you would find something in common with them. He loved his family deeply and had the privilege of having a close relationship with all his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He never wanted for anything but enjoyed giving to others with his time, money, and garden harvestings. To many it would seem Robert led a simple life, but it was a life that impacted many people. He leaves a legacy of faith and genuine love, kindness, and generosity toward others.

Robert is survived by his two children—Steve (Mary) Leslie of Pleasant Hill, MO and Cindy Thornton of Kansas City, MO; six grandchildren, Kelli (Michael) Carlson of Olathe, Kansas, Sean (Brandi) Leslie of Odessa, MO, Katie (Keith) Wingard of Strasburg, MO, Drew (Abbey) Thornton of Kansas City, MO, Cole (Brittany) Thornton of Independence, KS, and Kyle Thornton of Tyro, KS; 11 great-grandchildren, Olivia, Caleb, Ames, Cael, Ethan, Emma, Reid, Cade, Grace, Collins, and Wren; a beloved sister Mary (Shorty) Hocker of Harrisonville, MO; numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Gunn City Cemetery (Gunn City Cemetery Assn. c/o Julie Davison, 36901 E. State Route M, Gunn City, MO 64747

Visitation will be held 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Dickey Funeral Home with interment and Military Service at Orient Cemetery, Harrisonville, Missouri.