Leon John Hammerschmidt

Leon John Hammerschmidt passed away on his 80th birthday, Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Redbud Village in Plainville, KS. From the humblest of beginnings, Leon was born on August 31, 1941 in rural Victoria, Kansas to Joe and Matilda Hammerschmidt, the 5th of 13 children. He grew up on a farm in a small, three-bedroom farmhouse. He attended school and only completed 8th grade before he went to work in the oilfield to help support and provide for his siblings and parents. He married Melba Jean Fisher on September 14, 1964 in Zurich, Kansas and together they began building their life and family. From this union, six children were born - five daughters and one son. “The strength of a man is in his character. A strong man is a great man of wisdom, who understands his top priority is to his family.” - Ellen J. Barrier Leon was a provider for his family. He worked (before) sunup to sundown. He learned and loved the oilfield, and all the people who were a part of it. Together with his wife, they established Leon’s Drilling Service; as well as a partnership with a close friend - C & L Well Service, H & H Oil with two of his brothers, and after selling the rigs, Leon’s Consulting. Over the years, he employed numerous local friends and neighbors who were treated more like family. He led by example and would never ask anyone to do something that he wasn’t already doing himself. Leon officially retired after working for 60 years in the oilfield. His children’s education was important to him. Only formally educated until the 8th grade, it was a priority for him that all 6 of his children graduated from college. He even had a “rule” that they couldn’t get married until they completed their degree, which they all did. He was a generous benefactor to Sacred Heart Grade School and to Sacred Heart Church. Above all, he was strong in his faith which led to his life full of blessings. Leon was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He gave selflessly and abundantly of his time, talent and treasure to his church. He taught his family the importance of daily prayer and weekly mass. On weekends, he not only attended every Mass, but he was there to turn the lights on, open the doors and greet everyone. He was the last to leave the church as he wanted to make sure all the lights were off. After retirement, he attended all the weekday masses and ushered at every funeral. “A Man leaves his mark on the world with the love he gives his Children.” Left to cherish his memory are his wife of nearly 58 years, Melba of the home. Children: Marla (Douglas) Jones of Overland Park; Sandra (Norman) Keller of Hays; Jamie (Denise) Hammerschmidt of Highlands Ranch, CO; Kelli (Christopher) Hansen of Plainville; Amanda (Mitch) Mayo of Colorado Springs, CO; and Nicole (Tony) Dopita of Hays. Grandchildren: Alex and Trevor Jones; Lauren and London Keller; Jordan and Hunter Hammerschmidt; Noah, Benjamin, and Kate Hansen; Zachary and Luke Mayo; and Emily and Lawrence Dopita. Brother, William (Cecile) Hammerschmidt, Plainville. Sisters: Alice Arnold, Hutchinson; Mary Hammersmith, Hays; Jo Ann Jacobs, LaCrosse; and Theresa Conboy, Topeka. In-laws: June Mongeau, Plainville; Fred and Terry Fisher, Plainville; Connie Fisher, Plainville; Connie and Dennis Keller, Zurich; Jean and Don Larsen of Russell, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Matilda Hammerschmidt and his siblings, Peter Hammerschmidt, Rose Heidel, Robert Hammerschmidt, Leo Hammerschmidt, Ernest Hammerschmidt, Tom Hammerschmidt and Elaine Sunley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 4, 2021, 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainville. Visitation will be held Friday from 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M at the funeral home in Plainville. The family will receive guests at 5:00pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church until the Vigil begins at 6:00 pm at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Team Trevor. Checks must be made out to Marla Jones and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd St. Plainville, Kansas 67663. Condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord. Matthew 25:23