Leonard D. Buss

Buss, Leonard D. passed away January 19th, 2008 at Via Christi St Francis the Harry Hynes Hospice, surrounded by his family. Leonard was born May 22nd, 1918 in Marion, Kansas to German immigrants Gert and Frieda Buss. Leonard grew up during the Great Depression doing odd jobs to support his family by working after school and during the summertime in the fields near Coffeyville. The youngest of eight brothers and sisters, Leonards sister Martha bought him ten lessons on a violin for five dollars when he was 12 which launched a love of music for the next 77 years. Leonard served in the US Army 36th Anti-aircraft Group during WWII stationed in California and Hawaii; he continued to play music during the War. Leonard married Doris McClish on March 27th, 1947. Doris and Leonard enjoyed a bountiful marriage enhanced by 62 years of playing music together. Leonard worked 48 years for Bulger Cadillac Olds. A lifetime member of the Wichita Musicians Association, Leonard began playing professionally in the 1930s and continued to play at the Wichita Country Club and events until recently. Over his distinguished career Leonard played with George Gobel, Liberace, Charlie Barnet, Clark Terry, Verne Nydegger and many Big Bands during WWII era. He was a director of the Wichita Jazz Festival and together with his wife, Doris, formed the Doris Buss Combo that entertained Wichita music enthusiasts for six decades. Leonard is survived by his wife, Doris of 61 years; his daughter and her husband, Renee and James Lewicki and their children: Aurian, Hana, Cora Rose, Jamie, and Sabrina; his son and his wife, Greg and Pamela Buss and their children: Nathan and Bonnie Buss and Sam, Mackenzie, and Nicholas Augustin. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his four brothers George, Walter, Richard, and Lawrence and three sisters Sophie, Martha, and Laura; and by his son, Brian Buss, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S Market St, Wichita KS 67202-9623 or Hillside Christian Youth Group 8330 E. Douglas Wichita, KS 67206. Viewing on Monday, January 21st, after 4:00 pm, thru 10:30 am Monday at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 22nd, 2008 at Hillside Christian Church 8330 East Douglass. Tributes to: www.dlwichita.com Private Family interment