Leslie "Les"-Wachsman-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home - Wichita Falls

Leslie "Les" Patrick Wachsman

Mar 16, 1955 - Apr 20, 2024

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Leslie was one of the most wonderful men I've ever met in my life. I'm gonna miss him much. I hated that I lost touch with him only to see him again like this. He's where he needs to be though and he's walking and laughing and singing love you, Leslie.

My name is Kathy Craig, I live down the street from where the family used to live. I knew Les for the better part of 40 years, always saw him when we walked to the store or just out playing in the neighborhood. He'd always stop n ask me, "how's she?" And for the longest time I'd say,"who?" Until I realized he was talking about ME! Lol then I'd answer accordingly. He was always smiling and happy to see me &/or my mom Judy Craig. RIP you will be missed, dear friend. Condolences to the family...

One of the best obituaries I’ve read. Love his smile. Im sure he won’t stop running and jumping around up there for a long time. Prayer going out to all.

What a soldier Les was. His attitude in difficult times was a true testament to his faith. May he turn as many cartwheels as he wishes in heaven.

What a beautiful obituary... Les will always be remembered with that big smile and love for life♥ may God provide comfort and peace to all of the Wachsman family and friends

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

What a Beautiful Tribute to a Giant of a man. I had the Privilege of knowing Wes when I lived on Ross Ave. I will always be Grateful for his wit, honesty, and that ‘Never Give Up or In Attitude that he was so famous for. Randy, Jeff, and the rest of the Family, including many many Friends and Neighbors, my heart goes out to You all!! RIP Wes ~ You are Free

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

This obituary made me smile as I remembered Les and all the wonderful times. He’d pull in the driveway at my mom’s house on Manchester and we’d just chitchat and laugh. In college, I worked at the t-shirt shop and he always stopped in to say hi. I am saddened that after I married and moved away, I only saw him if I was in Wichita visiting my mom, Florene, and he would happen to stop by. Les has a beautiful and kind soul and there is no doubt he cartwheeled through those gates! Please accept...

Obituary

Leslie "Les"'s Obituary

The last time Les Wachsman ever walked on this earth was in the summer of 1970. It was 54 years later until he took another step and he walked right into the Heavenly Kingdom. We’re pretty sure he ran and cartwheeled into the pearly gates and hasn’t stopped yet. 

Leslie Patrick Wachsman was born March 16, 1955. The accident that left him a quadriplegic at age 15 was tragic, but as Gods mysterious ways work, Les became a warrior in Gods army. 

When he got back to Wichita Falls after his lengthy physical rehabilitation stay in Dallas, he finished high school at Notre Dame then went on to 4 years at MSU. 

Les coached a Boys Club basketball team for 9 and 10 year olds and really enjoyed it. They didn’t win any championships but they sure had fun! 

Les had a huge garden and tended it for years. He was proud to teach anybody that leant him a hand or helped in the garden all the fine points of growing food from the earth...every vegetable that could grow in the heat of Texas, he liked a challenge. From that garden he grew jalapenos that he entered in the State Fair. You would find him lining up the red peppers in a row and then you would have to tell him he had green ones in there too. We always got a good laugh at Les being color blind.Les won Grand Champion at the downtown Farmers Market Garden Show with a huge perfectly grown white onion. He got a plaque and was proud of it.He owed many thanks to his nephew Jade and two neighborhood boys Bill and Brad Reagan for all their hard work and the success of that garden. 

He never had to give up fishing, hunting or playing croquet! G.J. (Les’ Dad) made all sorts of ways to keep these things possible for him. G.J. built him a shooting stand that held his guns so he could take aim. The giant trophy buck on his wall proves it worked. He could handle a rod and reel okay...someone just had to reel in his huge catches. 

He made him his own croquet mallet so he wouldn’t be left on the sidelines because he truly enjoyed and was very competitive at croquet.He also enjoyed playing chess and loved when someone was in the mood for a game. 

G.J. and Les opened a boat propeller repair shop in the garage. Les would spend the summers helping customers and made numerous friendships along the way. 

Those waiting for Les in eternity are his parents, G.J. and Tillie Wachsman, brothers Ronnie and Alan, sisters Reni and Jony. 

Those still here are Randy and Leesa Wachsman, Cindy Kouri, Gloria Brasier, Jeff and Diane Wachsman, Judy and Bubba Garrett and Jodi Holoubek Wachsman.And all the nephews and nieces: Jade and Kara Kouri, Marcus McKee, Dickie and Tyler Lawson, Damian Mount, Tanner and Cole Wachsman, Ryan and Kaly Brasier, Breanna Eastman and Kimberly Wachsman, Koby Knowles, Courtney Orlicek, Joel and Nathan Wachsman. 

With his limitations, he still had a very rewarding life. He gave hope where there was little, he gave joy and friendship to the ones forgotten in rest homes and tried to do what he could for those who had nothing. 

Les took kids from the neighborhood under his wing and he helped them as much as they helped him. They became lifelong friends and kept in touch. 

A rosary will be recited beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2024 at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls with Rev. Kyle Walterscheid, celebrant. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.

We would like to thank everyone for their prayers, and a special thanks to the Disciples of The Lord Jesus Christ. Memorials may be made to: Hospice of Wichita Falls or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

The best way we can remember Lester...is to live more like he did. 

Read More