Leo L. Gusman

Leo L. Gusman, 89, Lee’s Summit, passed away December 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. His visitation will be Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, with a Rosary prayed at 6:00pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00am on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at St. Peter's Parish, 701 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131 with the committal service to follow immediately in Forest Hill and Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131. After the burial, lunch will be provided in St. Peter’s church basement.

Leo was born April 15, 1936, to Jesse and Albina Gusman in Kansas City, MO, where he lived most of his life. He was a loving husband and father who was devoted to his Catholic faith. He served 10 years active service in the Navy, and approximately 25 years in the Army Reserve, and retired from the Veteran’s Administration Hospital after 25 years of service as an Oncology Nurse’s Assistant with the utmost empathy, compassion and humility. Important spiritual influences included participation in the Cursillo and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and he was also a dedicated member of the Secular Franciscans of the Most Holy Eucharist and the Serra Club for religious vocations. Leo was an outgoing jokester and always welcomed strangers, especially those in need. He embraced his Mexican American heritage with a love of culture and patriotism. An artist and wood sculptor, he also loved to read and frequently wrote inspirational religious letters to family and friends. He was known for his love of all music, tamales, wine and chocolate. One of his greatest sources of pride was his family and he cherished any time he could spend with them, especially the little ones who brought him so much joy.

Leo is survived by his wife of 64 years, Juanita Gusman; four sons, Jesse (Melissa) Gusman, Mark Guzman, Ruben Gusman, and Adam (Denise) Guzman; two daughters, Veronica (Alan) Taliercio, and Angie (Weston) Herman; grandchildren, Joseph Chavez, Brittney Brehm, Jordan, Ashton, Micah and Gabriel Gusman, Maya and Athena Guzman, Sarita Barone, Aysia Gusman, Alysa Henry, Erica McDowell, Eli Guzman, Ava Jorn, Julianna and Audrey Herman; great-grandchildren Monica and Kamila Chavez, Zaden, Denver and Asher Gusman, Luca Barone, Jude and Isaac Henry, and Owen and Selah McDowell. He is also survived by his brother, Peter Gusman, Sr.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Gusman, and sister, Corina Zuniga.

Flowers are welcomed, but if you wish to give a monetary donation in Leo's memory, please consider gifting to the Gary Sinise Foundation online at https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate or by check to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 1858, Merrifield, Virginia 22116.