Leland A. Fleming

Leland Acel Fleming, age 89, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025.

Born on April 25, 1936, in Magness, Arkansas, Leland was the son of Everett Fleming and Stella (Beard) Fleming. He joined three older sisters, Wilma, Evelee, and Jean, and was preceded in death by an infant brother born the year prior. At just six months old, Leland’s mother was placed in a nursing home, and his sisters left school to care for him. At age five, his father remarried Macel Brandon, and Leland gained a stepsister, Hazel, and later a half-brother, Duane.

In 1952, Leland and his father moved to Wichita, Kansas, seeking work after the boll weevil devastated Arkansas cotton crops. He began working at Cudahy, where he remained for 23 years until the plant closed. He then worked at Cessna Aircraft Company for 20 years until retirement. Alongside his factory work, Leland ran a successful tree trimming business in the Wichita area for two decades, often working third shift at Cessna and trimming trees during the day. Known for his resourcefulness, he could fix nearly anything with bailing wire or binding twine.

On January 23, 1955, Leland married Gladenna States. Together they had two daughters, Linda and Stella. Leland and Gladenna accepted the Lord as their Savior during a revival at Park City Church of the Nazarene when Leland was 33. Gladenna passed away in 1982, after 27 years of marriage.

On August 9, 1986, Leland married Carolyn Porter in Hutchinson, Kansas, and welcomed two stepdaughters, Dawnita and Michelle, into his life. After retirement, Leland and Carolyn enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and taking bus tours together.

Leland was a member of Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson and lived a life marked by faith, hard work, and devotion to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Stella Fleming; stepmother, Macel Brandon; first wife, Gladenna; second wife, Carolyn; daughter, Linda Krulic; sisters, Wilma Darnall and Evelee Darnell; and stepsister, Hazel Wilcoxson.

Leland is survived by his daughter, Stella Maxson of Ponca City, Oklahoma; stepdaughters, Dawnita Miller and Michelle Schneider of Hutchinson, Kansas; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Darnall; and half-brother, Duane Fleming.

In accordance with Leland’s wishes, no services will be held.