Leonard Eble

Leonard Thomas Eble, 87 of Independence passed away Mon. Jan. 28, 2008 at Centerpoint Medical Center. Services will be 10:00 am, Fri, Feb. 1, 2008 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Indep. MO. Burial in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 7 �" 8:30 pm, Thursday at the chapel. Contributions are suggested to The Vaile Mansion. Mr. Eble was born on Jan. 24, 1921 in Brownsdale, MN to Fred and Gladys (Wilcox) Eble. He became involved with the YMCA programs as a young boy growing up. He served in the US Army from November of 1942 until October 1943. Leonard received a HI-Y Scholarship to the University of Dubuque, where he attended for two years. During his second year at Dubuque, he worked for the YMCA and then decided to finish his education at the George William College in Chicago, a YMCA professional College. While attending GWC he worked for the Chicago boy’s club and the Play clubs of Chicago. Upon graduation he went to the Y’s at Burlington, IA, Lake Geneva, WI, Ottumwa, IA, Amarillo, TX and finally to Independence, MO where he retired as “Mr. YMCA” on Jan 1, 1984. After his retirement Leonard worked at the Vaile Mansion in Independence and later did volunteer work for the Vaile. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for several years. Leonard was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had served as a Deacon for many years. He was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family and watching the KC Chiefs and the Royals. Leonard married Dorothy Ardelle Nelson in Clinton, IA on Aug 6, 1945. To this union, four children were born. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents, a sister and two brothers. He is survived by his children, Caren (Eble) and Maurice Pilant of Ozark, MO; Dale and Debbi Eble of Oviedo, Fl; Jeff Eble of Independence and Julie (Eble) and Rob Savage of Independence. Six grandchildren, David Pilant of Herlong, CA; Lori (Pilant) Fritz of Ozark, MO; Erin Eble and Sean Eble of Oviedo, FL and Cassie Savage and Joel Savage of Independence. Two great grandchildren Colby and Braedon Fritz of Ozark, MO. Leonard will be greatly missed by his family and friends.