Lorne C. Leeds

Lorne Clayton Leeds, the 9th of 11 children of Jobe Clayton and Mable Blanch (Arrasmith) Leeds, was born November 11, 1936, on a farm near Cleghorn, Iowa. He overcame many childhood challenges from losing everything in a house fire, being trapped at home for days during blizzards, poor living conditions and being in an iron lung for 6 weeks after contracting Polio. Lorne was raised in a Christian home and placed his faith and trust in Christ as his Savior at a young age. He graduated from Cherokee High School in 1954 and began electronics school in the spring of 1955 in Kansas City, MO. He married the love of his life, Macil Marie Reusch on May 29th, 1955 in Cherokee, Iowa. They were happily married for 69 years. 

They lived and raised their 4 children in the Kansas City area, purchasing their first home in the Northland in 1960. Lorne worked several jobs to support his family, including working in the grocery business from 1956 to 1972, and using his electronics education with TWA Airlines from 1965 until he retired in 1996. He made full use of discounted airline tickets traveling with his family to nearly every state and several countries.

Lorne was an active member at Tower View Baptist Church for 59 years, where he served in the children’s ministry, as a deacon, and on several other ministry teams. He also did countless property repairs. Lorne thrived on staying busy and completed numerous home improvements including a room addition and a 2 story shed, along with helping many others with their home and auto repairs. His greatest joy was his family. Lorne loved spending time with each of his children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren, holding and playing with them from the time they were born to attending all their events when possible. 

Lorne passed into the presence of his Lord on June 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Leonard(Violet), Lloyd(Martha), Laverne(Pauline) and Lowell(Joan); sisters: Clayoma(Daryl) Bacon, Viola(Donald) Howell, Elma(Ardell) Moser, Carrie(Art) Clark; sister-in-laws Dorothy Leeds and Jeneen Leeds; daughter Pamila Leeds; and grandson Cameron Leeds.

Lorne is survived by his wife, Macil; brothers Leon(Bertie) and Lewis; sister-in-law Susie Bowen; son Terry(Dana) and children Danae, Moriah, Taren, Emma, and Trey; son Craig(Janet) and daughter-in-law Alexandra Leeds-McCleary(Trevor); and daughter Ronda(Mike) Allee and children Andrew(Daniela), Tyler, Jacob(McKenzie), and Hayden(Nicole); great grandchildren Payton and Skylar Allee, Mateo Allee, and Judah McCleary. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Services will be held at Tower View Baptist Church, 7301 NE 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64119. Visitation will be at 1 pm and the service will begin at 2 pm. Graveside services will be held at Terrace Park Cemetery immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Tower View Baptist Church.