Thomas Leslie "Les" Case

Thomas Leslie Case, “LES”, the only child of Thomas Case and Hazel Ellen Rogers was born in Goodland, KS on May 23, 1943. He was raised in Colby, KS and graduated from Colby Community High School in May of 1961. Les went to sleep on August 28, 2026, in Greensboro, NC and entered eternal rest.

Les was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam through 1966 and receiving an honorable discharge. It was a difficult transition back to civilian life. He did not sleep much and preferred to work nights for a couple of years, bothered by large crowds and loud noises like fireworks. Eventually, he worked for the Colby post office for five years.

Les found comradery and valuable friendships at Barnett Post 6882 Veterans of Foreign Wars, even serving as commander at one point. He also joined with St. Thomas Lodge #306 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas and was installed as Worshipful Master of this Lodge in 1976.

Les met Christine Marshall of Hoxie in 1974. The couple married on January 3, 1975, at St Francis Cabrini Church in Hoxie, KS. Their early married life was spent in Colby where Les worked as a bookkeeper and later as the office manager for an irrigation firm. During this time the couple welcomed a daughter, Kerry, to the family in January of 1976. Six years later a second daughter, Lesley, was born. Les was an excellent father to his young daughters, at times too protective. In their adolescent years, like a lot of fathers, he had trouble relating.

Les’ career path took his family to locations in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Texas. Most of his career was spent working in office and parts management, also accounting. He used his skills in venues such as farm implements, oil field supply, truck and trailer dealerships, and propane and fertilizer equipment. He was a dedicated provider for his family, sometimes working two jobs as necessary. Whatever the job, Les was conscientious and very service oriented.

Les briefly retired in December of 2008 in Grand Island, NE. He moved with his wife to Roswell, New Mexico in 2009. After one trial year in Roswell, the couple moved to San Angelo, TX where Les found great satisfaction and lasting friendships in mortuary work. Les’ final retirement occurred in Fall 2018 when he oved with his wife to Greensboro, NC for closer proximity to their youngest daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

Les Case is survived by his caring wife, Christine; his children, Kerry (Nathan) Bursley and Lesley (Nick) Zavediuk; and his adored grandchildren, Connolly and Wren. Inurnment will take place at Beulah Cemetery in Colby, KS at a later date. Details regarding the time and service will be shared once finalized.