Leland Whitson

Leland E. Whitson, age 68, of Independence, Kansas died Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at the Coffeyville Regional Medical Center in Coffeyville, Kansas. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2009 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas with the Reverend Wayne Hett officiating. Burial will follow in the Restlawn Cemetery in Coffeyville, Kansas under the direction of the Potts Chapel. Visitation hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2009 with the family receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Riverside Southern Baptist Church and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Leland was born October 26, 1940 in Elk City, Kansas to Ralph E. and Mary Saunders Whitson. On June 6, 1958 Leland entered the United States Navy serving until his honorable discharge on February 9, 1962. On July 30, 1979 Leland married Diana Rhodes in Miami, Oklahoma the couple made their home in Independence, Kansas. Leland worked for Pressure Cast in Coffeyville, Kansas for 35 years before his retirement. He was a member of the Riverside Southern Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife Diana of the home; one son Brian Whitson of Independence, Kansas; two step daughters Susan Bennett of Independence, Kansas and Rebecca Robinson of Coffeyville, Kansas; eight grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was preceded in death by one daughter Leanne Whitson and two step sons David and Gary Burr.