Leon Alfred Drouhard

LEON ALFRED DROUHARD Leon Alfred Drouhard, 87, long-time resident of Argonia, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025, after a short hospital stay in Wichita. He was born on March 4, 1938, to Leo F. and Velma L. (Simpson) Drouhard at their home in Danville, Kansas. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his older sisters, Juanita Carlson, Eleanor Metzker Palmer, and Delphia Drouhard, as well as his only brother, Raymond Drouhard. He is survived by his younger sister, Corine Larson, and her husband Larry, and by his sisters-in-law, Shirley Drouhard and Charlotte Wedman, and many nieces and nephews. Leo and Velma's family later moved to a nearby Harper County farm on Pilot Knob, where Leon attended Pilot Knob's one-room grade school. Leon often said, "I can remember when electricity came to the farm." He was a proud Harper High School Bearcat and played all sports, though he injured his knees playing football. His family remembers him telling the story of the time he and some friends moved an outhouse to the roof of the high school! Following graduation with the Class of 1956, Leon attended Wichita State University (WSU), where he earned a degree in psychology. During that time, he was a charter member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and an original officer. At the time of his death, Leon was the oldest surviving member of the original members of the fraternity. While in college, Leon worked as a lab technician for Wesley Hospital. Before graduation, he married Sharon L. Wohlschlegel, a student at Sacred Heart College, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Danville. For the next 65 years, Leon romanced his bride, and their children remember how normal it was for him to sing love songs to her and waltz her around their living room. In the later years of Leon's life, he would greet Sharon each morning with, "Good morning, beautiful lady." A banker and insurance agent for 53 years, Leon received recognition in the "50-Year Banker Club" by the Kansas Community Bankers Association in 2015. Leon enjoyed helping people and his community, and he served Argonia for many years on the City Council. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and represented the Chamber in delivering the dedication speech for the Marty Harrison ball field. He also volunteered as a firefighter and was among the first group of EMTs certified in Argonia. His family remembers many interrupted meals and family occasions when Leon would drop everything to respond to the emergency phone. Leon has been a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since 1965 and is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Leon loved spending time with his family, and in addition to his remarkable love for their mother, his children recall weekly boating trips to local lakes and wonderful family vacations. He was devoted to Sharon, and together they enjoyed many trips and adventures. Leon was known by all for his ability to put anyone at ease, his generosity, his honesty, and his quirky sense of humor. He loved giving people ridiculous nicknames. In addition to his wife, Sharon, Leon is survived by his children: S. Rene' Brozovich (Jim) of Conway Springs; Todd L. Drouhard of Wichita; Eric A. Drouhard (Stephenie) of Conway Springs; and Sabrina Hemberger (Eldon) of Conway Springs. He leaves twenty grandchildrenwho all knew Leon as "Poppy": Jessica (Eric) Gerlach; Alicia (Colton) Martin; Miranda Fields; Derrik Brozovich; Garrett Brozovich; Alec Brozovich; Carissa (Mike) Dacayo; Stephanie (Brandon) Crowley; Megan Drouhard; Gretchen Drouhard; Savanna (Luke) Wilkey; Katherine (Jake) Carney; Amanda (Brad) Drouhard; Peyton (Taylor) Drouhard; Bernadette Drouhard; Brendan (Jarrod) Drouhard; Shannon Drouhard; Nathalie Drouhard; Mark (Caroline) Hemberger; and Angela Hemberger. He also leaves nineteen great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Gavin, Sophia, and Cole Gerlach; Keira May; Tegan, Lawson, and Maverick Wilkey; Gabriel Fields; Brinlee Brozovich; Aldous and Edie Carney; Oliver and Aiden Martin; Liam Brozovich; Jax Dacayo; Oliver Drouhard; Brooke and Claire Hemberger; and two more on the way. Recitation of the Rosary was 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 9, 2025, and Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Danville, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community with Father Bob Pinninti as Celebrant. Burial followed at the Fairview Cemetery, south of Danville. Memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Argonia Volunteer Fire Department, or St. Joseph Catholic School and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 Online condolences can be left at www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com