Leon T. Dubbert

Leon Theodore Dubbert was born July 8, 1925, on the family farm north of Tipton, Kansas, the son of William and Caroline (Carl) Dubbert. He died peacefully Friday, October 30, 2015, at the Golden Living Center of Downs, surrounded by his loving family.

During his early years, Leon attended Sunflower Country School and spent his high school years at Tipton High School graduating with the Class of 1943. After graduation, he was needed on the farm to assist his ailing father with farm work and to help with his invalid brother. Leon also assisted several area farmers during this time.

On October 6, 1951, he was united in marriage to the love of his life Ruth Ellen Brummer at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Tipton. To this union, 6 children were born. Leon & Ruth Ellen made their home on a farm west of Cawker City along Oak Creek. In 1963, the family moved into Cawker City because of the building of a diversion ditch for Waconda Lake. This "temporary" house in town became their home for the next 52 years.

Leon always enjoyed visiting with people and never met a stranger, always willing to help someone in need. He had a love for reading throughout his life and had a gift for retaining much of what he read. He was especially fond of US History books and family history. He had his own "library" of books and, when relaxing, always had a book or magazine in his hand.

Leon was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club all of Cawker City. He was a past Grand Knight, served on the Library Board and the Tree Board, where he helped plant, water and care for numerous trees throughout Cawker City.

Leon served as a Boy Scout Leader and all 4 of his sons were Scouts, attending many summer camps at Camp Hansen, Kirwin. He received the St. George Leader Award from the Salina Diocese for his dedication to Scouting and also his faith. Attending Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with his wife and 2 sons Dale and Kelly was a highlight as well as seeing his grandson achieve Eagle Scout.

Besides his chosen profession of farming and raising cattle, Leon worked a number of years for the USDA office doing measuring work for area farmers. He also made truck deliveries for Barnett Mfg. and Lloyd watermelon farm. Leon also spent countless hours of volunteer work delivering meals for the Senior Center, distributing commodities and assisting throughout the community that he loved. Leon always had a special connection to the land and was honored with the Kansas Wildlife Habitat Conservation Award in 2005 for planting and maintaining thousands of trees on his farm south of Waconda Lake.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gerald, William and Virgil (infant), and sisters Helen Muths and Kay Wagner, and great-grandchild Ashley Olson.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Ruth Ellen of the home, sons Randy (Kathryn) Dubbert of Downs, Kevin (Tricia) Dubbert of McPherson, Dale (Linda) Dubbert of Albuquerque, NM, Kelly (Kim) Dubbert of Overland Park, daughters Denise (Tom) Gaughan of Leawood, and Darcel (Barry) McPeak of Glen Elder. Twelve grandchildren Rachel (Joe) Olson, Trevor (Andrea) Dubbert, Brett (Tammy) Gaughan, Jonathan (Katelyn) Gaughan, Todd (Stephanie) Dubbert, Chad (Abby) Dubbert, Mackenzie McPeak, Brian Dubbert, Anna Dubbert, Kate Dubbert, Sarah Dubbert and Abby Dubbert. Eight great-grandchildren Paul, Lily, Gracie, Leon, Brennon, Avery, Magdalene and Thomas. His brother Robert (Mary) Dubbert of Tipton and sister-in-law Doralyn Dubbert of Downs.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Cawker City with burial following in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the church or the NCK Genealogical Society. Visitation will be at the church from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at which time the Parish Vigil and Rosary will be held.