Obituary published on Legacy.com by Schmitt Funeral Home - WaKeeney on Nov. 5, 2025.
Philip B. Leiby, 13, of Quinter, Kansas, crossed the finish line into Glory on November 2, 2025. He was the beloved son of Larry and Emily Leiby, and Summer Leiby, born on February 7, 2012, in Hays, Kansas. Philip was the proud older brother to Abigail, Norah, and Tucker, and now joins his older brother, L.J., in Heaven.
Philip was an avid distance runner, always up for an adventure, and lived for the thrill of trying something new. A creative thinker with a knack for doing things his own way, he loved finding outside-the-box solutions to any challenge. At age 11, he learned the art of welding from his dad and quickly turned that skill into creating beautiful yard art for friends, family, and to sell. His favorite projects were custom pieces-he loved the challenge of getting them just right and bringing joy to others through his work.
Laughter followed Philip wherever he went. With an endless list of dad jokes, a love for good pranks, and a fearless sense of authenticity, he was genuinely and unapologetically himself. Always the quiet helper behind the scenes, Philip made sure everyone else was taken care of before himself. He saw the good in others, even when no one else did, and inspired those around him to do the same.
Philip was bold in his faith in Christ Jesus and longed for others to know and love Him too. His special place outside of a racecourse was church camp-he looked forward to it every summer and soaked in every moment he could there.
He will be terribly missed by so many, and while our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing he has complete healing in Heaven and is up there fishing and up to mischief with his brother, whom he had the tightest bond with.
Philip is survived by his family in the home; numerous grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends-he knew no stranger.
A public visitation will be held at Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 S. Main St., Quinter, KS 67752, on Sunday, November 9, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., for Philip's classmates, teachers, and all whose lives he touched to come together, share memories, and find closure. A private family memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that any expressions of sympathy be made through memorial contributions rather than floral tributes. Donations may be written to Lakeview Christian Church Camp, Stockton, KS, or made out to the family to designate at a later date and mailed to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St.,
WaKeeney, KS 67672. These gifts will continue the compassion and kindness Philip shared with so many.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.