So many memories of Jack, where do you even start? Going back to when I first met Sharon, we would always have a fun time playing card games on the weekends. I also always enjoyed working on Bonnie and Sharon’s craft projects with Jack’s bandsaw that he had in the garage. He was so proud of the fact that he never had to pay for a new blade on that saw, as the blade seemed to always “break” right before the warranty expired. That leads to one thing we had most in common. He and I were known throughout the family as being cheap. We would always share ways that we would one up the other person. I think I got him when I explained how I would turn off my car and coast when I got to their street just to save a little gas.  Even he was impressed by that one!
Jack was always there to help Sharon and I with Kid’s Closet. Whether it be building a clever solution to displaying shoes (yes - I am referring to the infamous “shoe rack”) or by becoming a fixture at the sales by manning the large item area, we always knew we could count on him to be there to help. 
Lastly, I want to say how much I appreciate his commitment to family. The large groups we would have for vacations, birthdays and holidays led to some great times and unforgettable experiences, including Jack dancing after taking a fireball shot! None of us will forget that night!
Because of Jack, we will have so many memories that will live on forever. 
You will be sorely missed but will always remain in our thoughts.
Go Chiefs!


I started to write this tribute many times and couldn’t find the words.  He was such a wonderful father-in-law and grandfather. I am glad I waited, because I recently realized that Jack’s life was so much more than the 28 years I had the privilege of knowing him.   
I spent the weekend recently with my mother-in-law and she shared stories of their past.  He embraced every stage of his life with honor and enthusiasm.  When they were dating, he sent numerous letters to her and made her feel special.  When his children came along, his efforts turned to being the best father he could be, and raised them to be kind, caring and respectful of others.  When grandchildren were born, his focus turned to them and they were his world.  When we would get together in KC, Dallas or go on one of our many vacations, he always made it a point to get caught up on my children’s lives.  Taylor and Parker will always cherish the times spent with their Papa.  I can personally say that my husband is just like his dad.  He is an amazing husband, father and friend and he learned from the best.  
There are so many fun memories of travel, holidays, visits to Dallas, etc.  that would take more space than is allowed.  

One memory that stands out, was soon after Jack and I married, we went to KC for Easter.  We didn’t have children to hunt Easter Eggs, but Jack Sr. still made Easter special.  He made up these fun, clever games.  I can still see those cards strung across the mantle in their Prairie Village home.  My husband and his siblings kind of laughed and thought it was silly, but to me the fact that he went to so much effort, was special.  I loved playing those games.  It brought the family together, and that made Jack Sr. happy.  His world revolved around his family.   
The memories we will always have, but his legacy will continue with Bonnie, his children and his grandchildren.  I am just so grateful that I have been a part of the family he and Bonnie created for 28 years.  Love you Papa

Our first home was an apartment on the Country Club Plaza.  However, we were anxious to buy our first home where we could raise our family.  Needless to say we found it in Prairie Village, Kansas.  We had our ups and downs during our years together but we always loved each other and we both wanted to raise a loving and kind family. I believe we succeeded! We had a tragedy in 1962 when our three year old daughter, Susan, died of leukemia.  But we weathered that heartbreak as a family and it made our family that much stronger.  We had David and Ken before Susan and then, after she passed away, we were blessed with two more children, Jack, Jr. and Sharon.  I am so proud of my children and Jack couldn’t have been a better father.  His kids always came first with him and he always had their best welfare in mind over anything else’s. 

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family to help and comfort me at this sad time.  I know Jack is in Heaven with Susan, Zach and all of his family members who have gone before him. I’m sure he is probably trying to stump them with his jokes.  He loved his jokes and every time a caregiver or nurse would come to see him he would try to stump them with a joke.  They usually played along with him even though they had heard the joke many times before.  He was forever a jokester!  It’s one of the many reasons he will forever be the love of my life.


Jack and I had 68 wonderful years together.  We raised five great children and couldn’t have been more blessed.  Jack and I met at Lowe and Campbell (now Wilson Sporting Goods) and I think it was love at first sight.  Lowe and Campbell had a bowling party and banquet every year for their employees.  I went with my friend Ernestine and there were dancing and prizes.  Jack and I danced and flirted with each other and he wanted to drive me home.  Playing “hard to get” I said “no”.  But soon after, we began dating.  Jack was so handsome and, of course, all of the single girls at Lowe and Campbell had their eye on him.  He was such a gentleman and was always nice and kind to everyone.  He had many friends at work and made new ones everywhere he went.  He kept up with all of his friends from school his entire life.  We dated for a year but then our romance was interrupted by the Korean War.  Jack was drafted in the United States Army and was stationed at Camp Pickett, Virginia for a year before being sent to Germany.   Jack was stationed in Germany for a year so all we had were letters.  I still treasure many wonderful letters he sent to me during that time.  

	Upon his return we got engaged and married shortly thereafter.  We were married on August 1, 1953 at Community Christian Church on the Plaza in Kansas City.  It was a small wedding in Bonfils Chapel.  We went on our honeymoon to Grandview Lodge in Brainard, Minnesota, a beautiful place for a honeymoon - right on the lake, fabulous food, etc.  Jack’s aunt and uncle would take him there every summer and he enjoyed it so much so it was a natural place to go.  It’s cold in Minnesota even in August but we didn’t mind! We had a cabin with a fireplace to keep us warm. 

We could go on and on, about every great memory with Papa, which is all of them actually. But instead, we wanted to share what all of these memories taught us, what Papa taught us. Papa appreciated every single moment in life, no matter how big or how small. When we would stop by after seeing him only a little while ago, he would be so excited you were there. And if you ever watched a Chiefs game with him, you know how crazy he could get. He was there cheering at our dance recitals, and clapping when we got our first job. He treated every moment like it was his last. His very last Christmas, you could hear him belting the lyrics to the Christmas Classics. Papa was the best grandfather and great-grandfather we could ever imagine, and I just hope that we can appreciate all of the little things as much as he did. And one day, when we are sitting in our recliner, we will sing along to every song, be so excited when our grandkids stop by, and maybe even write their name on a banana, and tell them all about their great-grandfather. Love you, Papa! We can't wait to see you again. Love, your grand and great-grandkids!

Every time we came up to Kansas (Christmas, Easter you name it), Papa was always so excited to see us. After we said our hellos he would turn to me and say “now there is a banana here with your name on it, you gotta go find it” and I would always take off running. Eventually, I would find it, and sure enough, my name was written on the banana in sharpie. I would then sit down and listen to another one of Papa’s stories while eating my banana.
Papa, I will always miss sharing jokes back and forth, like "what happens when pigs fly" or "snap, crackle and? "Thank you for always being such a great grandfather and role model, and for raising the best Dad. Love and miss you, Papa!  Love, P-man

Jack was a great brother in law.  He was helpful to Bob and me over the years.  He was a great joker and loved all the Holidays.  He and I exchanged jigsaw puzzles for years.  I was heartbroken that I was not able to attend his service.  He will be missed.  

To me, Jack Leathers, was Uncle Jack.  I have so many great memories of Easter at Uncle Jack's and Aunt Bonnie's house.  Christmas Eve was usually always celebrated at my parents house. Uncle Jack, Aunt Bonnie and all my cousins would come over.  My dad and Uncle Jack loved to play practical jokes on the family and us kids.  One of my fondest memories of Uncle Jack was later in life when I would go over to his house to visit with him.  We loved to talk sports.  We would talk about the Kansas City Royals and what kind of season we thought they would have.  We had a great time discussing the Kansas City Chiefs when they won the Super Bowl in 2020.  And a discussion would not be complete without talking about Kansas Jayhawks Basketball!  Uncle Jack always took an interest in me and my family.  He would ask about my sons and what they were up to.  I will always cherish my memories of Uncle Jack.  We will miss you.  Brett Leathers

Uncle Jack and family mean so much to us. We added the photo taken in Las Vegas as a throw back to the 90’s. Don’t we all look young? We remember him as a sweet man who helped create with Bonnie a wonderful large loving family.  He was a giver not a taker.  We love recalling antiquing with the two experts, “Jack and Bonnie”, after Sharon’s wedding, to buy primitive furniture for our new cabin. He happily came along to MANY antique stores pointing out this and that. He found an old cheese weighing scale and insisted we buy it- we weren’t sure where we would put it as it had many hanging ropes, but of course bought it. Since that time people visiting the cabin have had no idea what it is-it will be traveling to the new vacation house in Paso Robles. He also held up another find, a very large wooden frame, and also insisted we buy it as it was the under frame to a very old plaster ornate frame from the past. We made it into a large mirror and it won’t be leaving the cabin as Jamie has claimed it as her own! 

Hard to sum up what a great person Jack Leathers was in just a few sentences. To me... first and foremost he was Grandfather. It's strange to me that after all these years that's the only thing I ever called him. No Papa, Gramps, Grand Dad or anything else. I thought about it a lot and I've come to realize it's because to me he was always such an honorable, decent  man that had both an ability to be your friend, jokester, buddy, etc. but also carried himself in a way that commanded respect from those around him. Not in a bad way. In the admirable sense of the word. He always took the time to follow my life, accomplishments, and my family but most of all he was all too willing to just listen. Every time I saw him he wanted to hear stories of my travels and tribulations no matter how insignificant they might have been. He would light up with pride over the smallest accomplishments but at the same time I always knew he had an expectation for those around him to achieve great things. He simply knew they were capable of it and was happy to cheer them on along the way. He was funny, interesting and charismatic. He could joke like an 8 year old even at 80 but still be serious and thoughtful when the moment required.  He loved his grandkids and great grandkids tremendously and it showed in how happy he was to be around them.  He will be missed but never forgotten. We were all lucky to have him for the time that we did and certainly gained a treasure trove of Dad jokes that will outlast all of us...  RIP Grandfather.

Dad, I have so many memories of how much of a huge impact you made to my life.  Here are a few more I want to share with you.
I remember when you and I were in the YMCA Indian Guides together. Your name was Big War Paint and I was Little War Paint.  All the great adventures together left a very memorable experience.  So much so, that I repeated it with both Taylor and Parker. 
I also remember when you and David Willson's dad coached our basketball team in junior high.  I have to admit, It was pretty cool to have you as the coach; except when we were doing warmup drills, you tended to push me harder than the rest.  Tough love I guess.
Finally, dad I really loved it when you took me sledding at suicide hill in Brookside. With every snowstorm we would meet Uncle Bob and cousin Brett and spend the day sledding.  I remember that they had these trash cans at the top of the hill with a fire inside to warm up and mom always fixed us a thermos of hot chocolate.  The best part was that you always waxed my sled so I would beat the other kids, and I always did.
Dad, I could go on an on as these stories just scratch the surface of all my loving memories of you.  I only hope that I can be as a great of a dad with my kids as you were with me.
- Love Little War Paint


As I take a step back, I realize just how much my Dad influenced my life.  As a child he always instilled in us the importance of doing chores and helping around the house.  He called my chores, my “A, B, C’s”.  Of course, if you would ask my brothers, I got away without doing much.  Well, I was my Dad’s favorite; I guess “favorite daughter” that is.  He made sure to tell all his caregivers when he introduced me, “This is my favorite daughter”. I kept trying to correct him to say “favorite child” but he would never mess up. As I write this on April Fool’s Day, I remember I didn’t always like his “keen” sense of humor. When I was in middle school, I remember him putting little toys from the cereal box in my lunch bag. I remember I would be so embarrassed when I pulled my sandwich out and along with it came these stupid toys. However, through the years his silliness rubbed off on me and I enjoyed every minute of his humor, and realized laughter is the best medicine.  He always made people laugh and really lightened the mood. He was always up for a great party and would stay up until “last call” as to make sure he didn’t miss a thing. His 90th birthday party, I think most will agree, was one of the craziest parties I have witnessed. He made not only parties, but holidays full of fun with trivia, jokes, and games he would make up. We loved going to the casino together, and we would stay all day long until I had to drag him off the slot machines because it was getting late. We never won much but loved losing together.  He was a believer in working hard, and was my biggest supporters of my business, Kid’s Closet Connection. He helped me from Day 1, and worked every sale, up until recently. Customers loved talking with him and looked for him at every sale, just to say “hello” or bring him some cookies.  I certainly will treasure all these wonderful memories and cherish all the fun times we had. I hope you are “winning” up there! See you later, Alligator! Love, Sharon

Personally, for me and I know my little brother Zach my Grandparents house and visits there were synonymous with Holidays such as Easter and Christmas which any young kid growing up considers to be the few best days of the year. What strikes me as the most endearing trait about my Grandfather is for both of us it wasn't just about getting presents and or stuffing are face with excellent food, it was about joking around and hearing some enthralling tails from our Grandfather. Always with a smile on his face and a joke around the corner, it was impossible to not love spending time with someone who always made the setting fill with laughter and comfort. He always took the time to get our ears collectively and individually to make us feel special and loved. For me I can't help but think my need to always at least try and make someone laugh came from him because I equated it with knowing that if someone laughs they cannot possibly be in anything but a comfortable space. I will always remember our trips to Wendy's for some food and Frosty's as well as the Dollar Store where I got to add to my large and growing baseball card collection. The best part of my time with Grandmother and Grandfather was for a couple years straight I got to stay with them after Christmas just by myself and watch Days of Our Lives with Grandfather trying to figure out what Marla would do next, I know it doesn't sound like what a kid would want to take part of at 8 and 9 years old but with Grandfather's narration/comments episode after episode I was glued to the screen like one continuous Blockbuster. Grandfather is someone who not even for a moment did I ever consider to be anything other than what every kid on earth should have as a Grandparent. He was kind and funny, and what was important to me was he was devoid of having an ill will bone in his body. I will always have a special place in my heart for him and it's comforting to know that he and Zach are now keeping each other busy in heaven.  

Papa was always so proud of his grandkids. When I got a job at Lockton, otherwise known as Lofton, after graduation, Papa thought I was the star associate at Lofton and would go wild every time I would get a raise or bonus. One time, I brought him a wad of cash and told him I got a big bonus from Lofton. Oh, he talked about that cash to every single person he saw for months! I’m sure his caregivers were sick of hearing about me, but Papa did always make me feel so special.
As most people know, Kid’s Closet is a family affair. Papa loved Kid’s Closet so much that he would do anything to help out. For instance, he worked at every single sale and would sit there all day long in the back of the room and manage the big items that were too large to carry around. He made sure as heck that none of those toys walked out unpaid! He would even hunt down people who wrote bad checks at the sale by going to some shady places across the metro area! He was so supportive of that business that he actually wrote the first Operations Manual at 80 years old. Like I said, he would do anything to help out his kids. 

Love you always, Papa! - Stephanie 


Jack Leathers/Papa/Poopsie/Herman was truly one of a kind. I am sure we could all agree that he was the biggest light in all of our lives. We could also agree that he was the funniest person on this planet. The jokes he would tell us, his humor, and just his personality was something special and unique. There was never a moment when I was around Papa that I was sad or upset. How could you be? Right when I would walk in the door he would say something so hysterical...probably because it was so random and, let's face it, corny.  But, I will say a lot of his jokes were genuinely funny, as well. Some I have never heard before and just came out of the blue, some were old timey jokes that might have been a bit raunchy, and of course the classics from the newspaper that he said over and over again. But, he was a happy man and just wanted everyone else around him to laugh and have a good time.  I would have to say the most memorable thing about Papa is his humor and personality.  Something that I will miss is hearing "What ever happened to Miley Cyrus?" or "Remember Flat Stanley?", I would laugh and say "I don't know!" and then tell him one of his favorite jokes, "What happens when  pigs fly?" That would for sure stump him every time even though I told him the same joke the week before. The answer? "The cost of bacon goes up!" Then, we would laugh like it was the best joke on the planet.  Papa and I were very close, especially after high school (when I thought hanging around parents and grandparents was lame), and I am so thankful that I lived just down the street from Grammers and Papa so I was able to visit them as much as possible and enjoy her delicious lunches and dinners she cooked. Nothing can replace the bond you have with your grandparents and nobody can teach you the ways of life like they can.  I love you, Papa! You will be in my memories forever. You have helped form me into the person I am today and I am thankful and honored that you are my grandpa. 

My father-in-law, Jack Leathers, was a gentlemen. Always with a smile, he made you feel welcomed and appreciated. I loved spending time with him and my mother-in-law, Bonnie. Jack was especially talented with our children, from his magic tricks which left them gobsmacked, to his endless patience during trips to the Dollar Store. 
I will miss you, dear Jack, however, your memory will never fade from my mind and heart.
Affectionately,
Winnie 

 I remember the summer I went to stay at the Smitka house for a few days and every day Sam and I would go to the pool, make-up dance routines, and mess around all day. The highlight of those days was riding our scooters to Grammer's and Papa's house. We would race each other over there and upon arrival, there was always some kind of cookies waiting for us! We would rug hook while hanging out with Papa as he watched Jeopardy. He would tell us endless jokes and show us the comics from the newspaper, while we all laughed and enjoyed our cookies. He was truly someone that you couldn't help but feel happy around, and he didn't allow for any joke to go untold haha. I also remember having softball tournaments in Overland Park and being so excited to have my relatives come to support me, (I highly doubt anyone was a huge softball fan haha) but the fact that Papa was willing to come and cheer for me made me feel so loved. I feel so lucky to have been able to know my great-grandparents. Having so much love and support from Papa and Grammers has always meant so much to me. Papa, words will never explain the amount of appreciation I have for you. Thank you for being the bond in a family tie that could never be broken and for teaching me what it means to look at life with the glass half full!

My favorite memories of Papa come from the family get togethers. The picture makes me laugh. Derek had to load Papa into the boat for an evening cruise, this was not easy  for him. The process created a lot of laughs for everyone and as you can see Papa basically landed on Derek’s lap. He had the best attitude and was up for any activity. He wasn’t going to miss a minute of the fun.  He didn’t let anything hold him back from hanging with the grandkids. He was full of stories, trivia and jokes! He loved my kids and for this I am so grateful..We will miss him and we are so thankful for all the memories.  Nicole Leathers 

Papa gave me some of my best memories as a kid, ensuring that I would remember his impact on me for a long time to come. As I began to write memory for this website, it occurred to me the first things I can remember in my life were with Papa. In preschool and in my earliest elementary school years, my family owned a small lake house in Nebraska. Admittedly, I don't remember much about the lake or the house, but I do remember the people I encounter there. Every time Papa would visit, I knew a boatload of fun was close behind him. We would sit inside alone while the rest of my family was out on the water, which might sound boring to most, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. Papa would quiz me with trivia, perplex me with riddles, show me newspaper comics, and best of all, mesmerize me with his superhuman ability to detach his thumb from his hand. He would have me rolling on the floor with laughter. When he thought he had me distracted, Papa would hide lottery tickets for his grandchildren around the house for us to hunt for, although he must have known I cheated and looked at him hide the cards while he worked. If not, here is my confession. 
               I am thankful to have grown up spending my young summer days with Papa. Thanks to him, my earliest memories of my own life are still some of my happiest. He showed me at a young age that joy doesn't have to stem from material things but rather the connections we can make with our family and friends, both young and old.

Papa was one of my biggest supporters. When I was six years old, he flew down to Texas to see my ballet recital, bringing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Ten years later, he joined me in celebrating a very elaborate Sweet 16. Over the past few years, I was finally given the opportunity to support him. Having worked in aging care, I was very familiar with the oxygen tank. Apparently, he would tell anyone who listened that I was the one who could set up his portable oxygen tank, so he could finally go to the casino. Of course, as I was trying to support him, he still supported me. Every time I was with him he told me I needed to be a doctor, and I would be a great one. Sure enough, on the day we laid him to rest, I was accepted into medical school. Papa, I cannot thank you enough for being the best grandfather I could ever imagine, and for constantly supporting me my entire life. I know that you are still supporting me each and every day. See you soon. Love, Tay

Here are a few stories my Dad shared which I think speaks volumes to who he was as a person.
 
As a child, my father said his dad would walk him down to the drug store to get a Malt for 25c. Chocolate was his favorite.  After pouring his drink, the clerk always had a little left over and would say “for a nickel, you can have the rest”.  My dad said that his dad would always look at him, smile and throw down another nickel.  I think that was my dad’s way of sharing just how tight he was with his dad; just like I am with mine.
   
 Another great story was when my Dad was stationed at Camp Picket, VA during the Korean Conflict.  One day he was directing traffic in town for one of their convoys.  While standing duty a young boy came up next to him to watch the trucks go by.  My dad just so happened to have some peanuts which he shared with this boy.  The boy asked where he was from, and they talked as the trucks passed.  Now roll forward about 25 years when my dad was now married and living in Prairie Village.  He said the phone rang one day and when he answered a man’s voice asked him if he was the same Jack Leathers who was stationed at Camp Pickett.  He said he was.  The man went on to say, “you probably don’t remember me, but when I was a boy, you shared some peanuts with me.  I happen to be passing through Kansas City and I remember you mentioning that you lived here.  I took a chance and looked you up”.  My dad obviously made a strong impression on that young child.
   
Finally, my dad was later stationed in Germany.  They had a big inspection coming up; however, they were all out of shoe polish.  My dad was obsessed with shiny shoes.  He wrote a letter to the president of a shoe polish company explaining his dire situation.  A week later he was surprised to see a big case of shoe polish show up.  Naturally he was a hit with his platoon and, needless to say, they passed their inspection.

Dad, being older than my siblings I probably remember you in a different way than they do.  I think of you as a young 6’2” handsome very athletic man.  I always thought of you as what a real man should look and act like. You always had my best interest at heart and never let me down. You had a real sense of what was important and what wasn’t.  In the big moments of life you always made the right decisions.  If I make the cut, I’m very much looking forward to seeing you again.  Your son, David Leathers

It wouldn’t have been the Fourth of July without Uncle Jack. Our mother, Nancy – Jack’s big sister – loved those times as much as anyone. Some of our earliest memories are those mid-summer days when our family would head over to Uncle Jack and Aunt Bonnie’s, and Jack and the other dads would provide all of us kids with sparklers. Next came a delicious Fourth of July picnic supper created by Bonnie, with Jack tending the grill. Then, as day turned to night Jack, Bob and our father would light a series of fireworks right there in the back yard for us all to ooh and ahh over. Finally, we’d all sit down and look up at the sky to enjoy a professional fireworks show at the country club just behind their house.
Jack also helped make Easter Sundays special. He, Bob and our father would quietly head out into the back yard to hide specially dyed eggs, chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks in the most clever spots – under the bushes, in the swing set, at the bottom of flower pots. Then all of us kids would charge out the door, dressed in our Easter best and clutching decorated baskets, to scoop up the goodies. We recall Jack saying one summer, months after Easter, that he had just unearthed a gooey chocolate egg in the far corner of the yard that had somehow eluded us on our hunt.
Besides being holiday-maker in chief, Jack must have had aspirations for Hollywood. There wasn’t a family gathering when he didn’t pull out the movie camera to document the excitement. What mattered most to Jack was family, and he wanted to record and treasure every minute of the action. We treasure every moment of our time with Uncle Jack.


My favorite memory of my dad is probably when we moved to Fontana.   Soon after, he purchased a Baskin Robbins franchise at 76th and State Line.  I would go up every Saturday to wash out the cardboard tubs that they handed out for free. In exchange, he would buy me some burger and fries at the Crown Drug a few doors down.  Let me tell you, if you want to be popular with your friends, talk your Dad into owning a Baskin Robbins!


Each summer dad would get two tickets to the Barn Players Theater; a theater in an actual barn in a field just north of Corinth Square.  He almost always took me to the plays and afterwards we went and had breakfast at a place called John and Sharon’s on Wornall.  Sharon was known for her beehive similar to Flo’s on the TV show Alice.  It remains one of my cherished memories.


Dad loved being a dad and knew what it was like being a kid. In my early years, he would tell me these nightly Mrs. Neuberger stories, a grandma-like sleuth that rescued kids from all sorts of predicaments.  And he was known for telling the corniest jokes like “I bet I know where you came from? Your mother’s womb” and “Jack’s mother had three sons: snap, crackle and...?”


He always valued and instilled upon us what was really important.  A few years ago I mentioned something about how I may have disappointed him that I wasn’t all that athletic given he was a star athlete.  He quickly responded that education was what he valued most, evident by the fact all his kids went to college.


So, Dad, until we all meet up again, I know we will all cherish your wonderful memories and the incredible impact you had on all our lives.    


Love, Ken

My father, the late Tom Leathers, spoke often about Jack. The times they shared together; the incredible athlete he was at Southwest. The great person he was. We only met him on a couple of occasions. Sorry Tom is not here with us to wish the family well. Blessings to all. 

OBITUARY

Jack N. Leathers, Sr.

November 23, 1927 – February 4, 2022

McGilley State Line Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services