Leon Melvin Jennings, 88, passed away September 3, 2025 at his home in Burdett.

He was born December 25, 1936 in Larned, the son of Melvin Joe and Roberta Loraine Gibson Jennings.

A lifetime Pawnee County resident, he was a farmer and rancher. He was a past Mayor of Burdett, also served on Burdett City Council for over thirty years. He served in the National Guard and was a member of the Burdett American Legion. He enjoyed flying, playing pitch, traveling to antique tractor shows, driving the country side to check cows and crops, and having coffee at Delaney Implement.

On May 8, 1956 he married Shirley Ann Miller north of Burdett; she preceded him in death on June 11, 2009.

Survivors include: son, Craig (Linda) Jennings, Abilene; two daughters, Debra McLaren, Hays, Dana (Alex) McCreath, Maize; two sisters, Linda Maddy, Larned, Cheryll (Kenneth) Meier, La Crosse; sister-in-law Judy Jennings, Larned; eight grandchildren, Devon (Logan) Davis, Shawnee, Mason McCreath, Whitewater, Anthony Johnson, Riley, Matthew (Stacey) Johnson, Abilene, Felicia (Lee) Johnson, Brookville, Nick Johnson, Abilene, Randi Evans, Liberty, Missouri, Peter Jennings, Abilene; thirteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by: his wife; son-in-law, Sean McLaren; brother, Fred Jennings; brother-in-law, Darrell Maddy.

Memorial graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 12, 2025 at Larned Cemetery, Larned with Pastor Jerry Hickey presiding. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Beckwith Mortuary, Larned, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Inurnment will be in Larned Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites.

Memorials may be given to Pawnee County EMS in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.