Obituary of Leslie Howard VanWinkle

Leslie "Les" Howard VanWinkle, 75, of rural Coffeyville, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, in the home he built. He was born on June 18, 1941, at Wayside, KS to John David and Roberta Belle (Jones) VanWinkle. When he was young Les and his family moved to the Coffeyville area where he grew up and attended school. Les graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School, Coffeyville Community College and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education and later a Master's Degree in Administration from PSU. While attending FKHS, CCC and PSU, Les was a member of the men's basketball team. On September 2, 1962, Les was united in marriage with the love of his life Diana Ashby McBurney in Caney, KS. Les worked construction all his life. He taught Industrial Arts in Kearney, MO, Topeka, KS and Coffeyville. He became the Director of SEK Vo-Tech, then the Principal at Caney Valley High School where he worked until his retirement. Les was a longtime active member of the Caney United Methodist Church. He loved to play Bluegrass music with his buddies, enjoyed woodcarving and woodworking, teaching it to others, especially young people and friends. He was a long time supporter of the FFA and 4-H. He thoroughly loved all Gods creations, spending a lot of time fishing. He and Diana loved to square dance, antique, travel in the Branson area and work on their 1941 Chevy pickup. His greatest love was spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Diana; daughter, Lane Gordon and husband Scott; son, David VanWinkle and wife Michele all of Coffeyville; grandchildren, Shanna (Jonathan) Motl, Jesse Gordon, Nikki Redington, Miranda Gordon, Austin Gordon, Ryan Redington, and great grandchildren Jenner, Jagger and Joel. Sister in-law's Kay Laird, Sally VanWinkle and Chris VanWinkle and brother in-law John (Judy) McBurney and numerous family members and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Ralph VanWinkle and John VanWinkle; brother in-law Don Laird; and one great grandson, Gordon Howard Motl. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the Caney United Methodist Church, 114 North High St., Caney, KS with Pastor Will Kenyan officiating. Burial will be in the Robbins Cemetery west of Coffeyville. Friends may call on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials to Caney Valley High School or charity of the donor's choice; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.