Leland Drue Hoch
March 2, 2026
Leland Drue Hoch, 90, passed away peacefully March 2, 2026 after battling dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Leland worked in construction and carpentry after graduating from Wichita North High in 1954.
He served in the Navy as a Reservist from 1954-1962. Leland retired from the Wichita Eagle after 33 years. He remodeled offices and worked in building maintenance. Retirement was not for him and he continued working for Castor Excavating and the Wichita Clinic up to 2001.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Norma; his sister, Donna Tomlin; parents, Lester and Cecil Hoch.
Leland is survived by his sons, Brad (Sara), Kent (Jean); grandchildren, Spencer, Garrett, Preston, Natalee; and extended family.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Alzheimer’s Association, Central & Western Kansas, 535 W. Douglas, Ste. 150, Wichita, KS 67213.
Services
Funeral Service: Monday, March 9, 2026 10:30 am
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Leland Drue Hoch 's name.
Alzheimer's Association, Central & Western Kansas Chapter
535 W. Douglas Avenue, Suite 150
Wichita,
KS
67213
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Brad is was so sorry when you let me know your Dad passed. The times I got to talk to him were very good. He was a great man!
Our prayers are with you.
Prayers for your loss.
I remember Leland from the Barbershop he used to come in every Saturday evening, I had another client who worked at the Eagle as well. Leland did work on my house when he worked for Castor he added a bay window that came out perfect he also worked on an antique bed of ours.. he truly was a master Cabinet builder.. I remember him and family going to the lake with his pristine boat.. journey well sir!
Brad and Kent,
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He was a good guy, hard worker, and a very knowledgeable person in the construction business. I learned a lot working with him in my Caster days.
I apologize that I won’t make it to Leland’s service tomorrow, I have knee scheduled for Monday morning.
But you guys will be in my thoughts.
Gary
Brad, Kent
I wish I would have came over and seen Lee. This is Kelly Harrison i worked with your dad at the Wichita Eagle from 1986 to 1995 when we got laid off. He and Bobby were the Carpenters and I was the painter. Your dad taught me a lot about life i love that guy I was only 22 when I started working there at the newspaper. I miss him and I miss Bobby I miss Joe Deloney.. 62 years old now the same age your dad was when we got laid off.
Just now I was thinking about your dad and I Googled him and there was obituary. This really hit me in the chest hard. Almost Everybody I worked with that there is dead. I can’t imagine your dad at 90 years. when I met him I think he was 52 or 53 working with a man everyday for 9 years you get to know them.
Sorry for your loss darn I wish I would have found him and hollered at him.