LEONARD GEORGE BEAT

LEONARD GEORGE BEAT Leonard George Beat of Toronto, died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Greenwood County Hospital in Eureka, at the age of 92. He was born on June 13, 1933, in Pratt, Kansas, the son of George A. and Madeline E. (Goetz) Beat. He was raised in the Pratt area and attended local schools. His mother passed away when he was only five years old. At age 13, he left home and began working. He became an expert at running heavy equipment and was so respected for his skill that he was often requested by name for jobs, working for many years for Fields and Sons in Pratt. In the mid-1950s, he was united in marriage to Shirley Kay Hubbel, and they had two children before their marriage later ended in divorce. In 1967, Leonard married Frances A. (Fruit) Jones, and her child from a previous marriage became his. They had one son and adopted two more children together. This marriage also later ended in divorce. He traveled to Europe in 1994 to visit his son, who was stationed in Germany. He finished his working life with many years of service at the Kingman County Highway Department, retiring in 2000. In his retirement, he moved to Toronto Lake, spending his twilight years peacefully alongside his loving partner, Helen Olm. Leonard was a man of many interests, collecting stamps, coins, and semi-truckshis collections a source of great joy and a miniature reflection of the heavy machinery he mastered. He loved doing puzzles, watching the Kansas City Chiefs, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He had a robust sense of humor, known for his colorful language and a laugh as memorable as his curse. His unique use of language was a source of endless stories and laughter for those who knew him best. Leonard will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his deep love for his family, and his uniquely spirited personality. He is survived by his children: Steve Beat and partner, Jody Harbaugh of Hays, Kansas; Gerald and wife, Theresa Beat of Plano, Texas; Erica McKinney of Wichita, Kansas; Eric and wife, Cindy Beat of Ozark, Alabama; and Bret Jones of Daleville, Alabama; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and four siblings: Gilbert Beat of Cunningham, Kansas; Georgina Beat of Las Vegas, Nevada; Don Beat of Kingman, Kansas; and Eugene Beat of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Esther; one daughter, Cheryl Spinks; son-in-law, Kevin McKinney; and two siblings: Kenneth Beat and an infant sibling. Cremation has been effected and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests no contributions, only prayers for the family.