Leon A. Torline

Leon Anthony Torline, 87, died at home Saturday, February 27, 2016. Leon was born April 14, 1928 in Spearville, KS to J. Leo and Mary (Mages) Torline. Leon married Carol J. Habiger on October 25, 1954 in Wright, KS. Leon was proud of his military service. He served in the Korean War as a combat engineer. After his tour of duty overseas, he was assigned to Fort Belvoir, VA as section chief in charge of testing various types of experimental equipment for Corps of Engineers. He was released from active duty in August of 1952. After his release from the Army, he was employed at the engineering department of Boeing. With his marriage, he started farming and raising cattle until his retirement in 1998. In March of 2007, Leon and Carol moved to Wichita where he currently resided. During his active years, he served on the USD 381 School Board for 15 years, serving as president for several years. During his tenure, he started the Southwest Kansas Special Education Coop, so that schools in southwest Kansas would have access to professionals providing guidance in teaching special needs children. Leon also served on the Ford County Wheat Growers as president and vice-president and president of a national antique association. He also helped to start the Windthorst Heritage Association. He sang in barbershop and the Chancel Choir at The Church of the Magalen. Leon loved to sing, fish, hunt, travel, hunt mushrooms on the river and the McDonalds Coffee Shops. Survived by wife Carol of the home; son, Dr. Ron (Jayne), of Overland Park, KS; grandson, Matt (Elaheh), of Dallas, TX; brothers, Glenn (Pat), of Spearville, KS, Dan (Tina), of Dodge City, KS, David (Carolyn), of Pueblo, CO; sisters, Julia (Otho), of Emerald Isle, NC, Joan (Jim) Hogan, of Spearville, KS; sister-in-law, Peggy Torline, of Dodge City, KS. Preceeded in death by his parents; brother, Harold; sister, Phyllis. Viewing will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday, February 29, 2016, and from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M Tuesday, March 1, 2016 with Rosary at 7:00 P.M, Tuesday, March 1, 2016 all at Downing & Lahey Mortuary East. Funeral Mass will be at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at The Church of the Magdalen. Graveside Service will be at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 3, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery, Windthorst, KS. Memorials have been established with Church of the Magdalen, Chancel Choir, 12626 E. 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67206 and Holy Cross Cemetery Fund, c/o Robert Hattrup, 13425 Jewell Rd, Offerle, KS 67563. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com