Mr. Leland Springer

Leland "Fred" Springer passed peacefully into the arms of God on his 90th birthday, January 10, 2010. He was with his family and much loved friend. Fred was born in Milan, Mo., on Jan. 10, 1920, and grew up in Independence, graduating from William Chrisman High School. He served in the U.S. Army on two fronts as a Master Sergeant in World War II, first with the 79th Division and later with the newly created 86th "Black Hawk" Division. After the war, he returned to Kansas City and worked with Great Lakes Pipeline while attending Kansas City University. He and his family moved to Overland Park in 1953, leaving to work in Tulsa with Williams Pipeline in 1970 and then to Wichita as president of Kaneb Pipeline, now a part of Valero. On his retirement in 1985, he and his wife returned to Overland Park. Fred was preceded in death by Florence, his beloved wife of 57 years. They enjoyed travel throughout the United States. He was an avid golfer until a few years ago and still enjoyed watching golf and football, although his favorite sport was Big 12 basketball, especially KU. He was devoted to his church, Colonial Presbyterian, and loved working there as a volunteer as long as his health permitted. The important things in his life were his family, his church, his friends, and his sports. Fred is survived by his only daughter, Barbara Medlin, and his beloved son-in- law Carl. He has three grandchildren and one great grandchild. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park. A visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. also in the chapel. Entombment in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to City Union Mission or Northland Meals on Wheels. Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, (913) 451- 1860.

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