Leo Gilbert Wetherill

Leo Gilbert Wetherill, USNR-Retired, 84, Kansas City, MO, died peacefully on Sunday December 25, 2005, surrounded by loved ones. Visitation and Memorial Services will be held Saturday December 31, 2005 from 10:00 AM to noon at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 416 W.12th Street (downtown) KCMO; next July his remains will be scattered among the wildflowers in Imogene Basin above Ouray, Colorado. Leo was born, March, 2, 1921 in Kansas City, MO and was a lifelong resident and member of the Native Sons of Kansas City. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fleda and Leo Gaylord Wetherill, brother Gaylord D. and sister, Phyllis Van Buskirk. Survivors include sons, Chris and Leo (Jr.), daughters, Leigh Bogardus, and Dr. Patricia Wetherill, M.D., her husband, Dr. Todd F. Baumgartner M.D., M.P.H., and grandchildren Philip, Katharine, Elizabeth, and Meg. He graduated from Pembroke Country Day School in 1940 and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1948. Leo was a veteran of World War II. He enlisted as an officer in the US Navy in 1942 and trained as a pilot at Pensacola, FL. He was assigned to the Patrol Bombing Squadron VB-108 and saw active service in the Asiatic-Pacific and American Campaigns. Flying PB4Y-1 'B24 Liberators', he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts in bombing and sinking the Japanese I-174 submarine on April 12, 1944. He was awarded the Air Medal twice and other citations. He served until 1946 and retired as a Lieutenant. He married Sue Ann Smith in 1952; together they had four children and 28 years of marriage. Leo loved the outdoors and raised Labrador Retrievers. In the 1950s he was involved with the Kansas City Retriever Club, competed in and judged Field Trials throughout the Midwest. For many years he enjoyed fishing and camping in the mountains of Colorado. Leo was a respected business owner, property manager and an independent oil operator and producer. He volunteered with many civic organizations including the Kansas City Downtown Council and the Kaw River Levy Commission. He will be missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a charitable donation to the Leo Gilbert Wetherill Foundation, PO Box 17942, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.