Philip Andrew Leslie

Phil strongly believed in service to country and actively participated in Air Force ROTC while pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Political Science at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Here he also met and married CeCe, his wife of 52 years.

After serving in the Air Force, Phil enjoyed a career of writing and editing mainly for the University of Missouri, but also A.B. Chance, the Missouri Press Association and the University of South Florida. He loved learning and received a master’s degree in Education along the way.

Phil was a zealous philatelist, voracious reader (always subscribed to 2-3 newspapers and supported an extensive home library). He enjoyed visiting every U.S. baseball stadium and presidential libraries with lifelong friends. If the words Trivia Competition came up, Phil was the competitor you wanted on your team.

Phil’s singing and acting talent were showcased in his performance in “Oklahoma” and “Music Man” in high school and later in “1776” and “Showboat” in Columbia Community Theater. He also sang in the group “The Statesmen” as an undergrad at Mizzou.

He was “Grandad” to five grandchildren who always knew who to come to with grammar questions for school papers. They all knew they took a backseat to furry friends in the house, but loved walking with Grandad on the Conservation area trail with pets Owen, Shadow, Lucy, Mocha and Sensay.

In addition to his wife, Phil is survived by daughters Maureen (Chris) Duncan and Erin (Jason) Beam; as well as grandchildren Ava and Leah Duncan and Madelyn, Charlotte and Colin Beam. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Marjorie Leslie.

A memorial service will be held at a future date. Donations in Phil’s honor may be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society at cmhspets.org.