Leslie Eldon Wenger

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Leslie E. “Les” Wenger, 77, passed away Monday, Dec. 13, 2010, in his Wenger Mountain home, after a courageously fought battle against brain cancer. He was born Jan. 14, 1933, in Salina, Kan., the son of Edward P. and Rosa (Miller) Wenger . In 1950, he graduated from Salina High School and attended Kansas Wesleyan University on a football scholarship for one year. He graduated from Kansas University with a business degree and was part of ROTC program.

Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Air Force and rose to the rank of Captain during his three years of service. He was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) pilot and flew the air refueling KC 97 out of Schilling Air Force Base in Salina. One of the men on Les’ crew wrote in a recent note: “I am a great believer in prayer, and I support the prudent use of experimental drugs, but, let us not forget an observation of Les I had noticed years ago while flying together.. beneath that demeanor of a courtly gentleman lies the boney outline of one tough old gizzard who can’t be knocked over without a torrential blast.”

Wenger’s 27-year career with Waddell & Reed began in 1957 as a Sales Representative, quickly moving into the position of a Division Manager. On Feb. 4, 1961, he married Mary Gay Dillingham. He spent his last years with W&R as a Regional Vice President.

In 1984, Wenger retired and he and his wife moved to NW Arkansas where he pursued his passion of fishing which expanded to teaching others how to catch trout on the White River. Nothing brought a smile to his face more quickly than when a student (of any age) would land one.

When Les became ill, his ministry moved from the river to the Highlands Oncology in Bentonville. His radiating smile, deep and abiding faith in God and love for others gave encouragement and validation to fellow patients and staff alike in their efforts to fight cancer and other debilitating illnesses. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the entire and incredibly able and loving staff at Highlands, for the help and support of the Washington Regional Hospice and for caregivers Carla Hency and Brenda Jackson.

Les was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Daniel E. Wenger; and brother, Dr. Norman E. Wenger.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Gay, of the home; daughter, Diane Heinauer (Wayne), and granddaughter, Richelle Heinauer, of Apache Junction, Ariz.; grandson, Devin Miller, of Birmingham, Ala.; brothers, Dr. Bruce E. Wenger (Suzie), of Tulsa, Okla., and Virgil Wenger (Jo), of Darien, Conn.; uncle, Gib Wenger (Liz), of Salina; aunt, Margaret Hill, of South Hutchinson, Kan.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Rollins Funeral Home, Rogers. Online condolences may be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Regions Beyond Ministries (a missions outreach of the Harvey Moore family), 19751 N. Hwy. 127, Garfield 72732, Washington Regional Hospice, 34 Colt Square, Fayetteville 72703, or First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 585, Salina, KS 67402.

“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”

John 17:4 (NIV)