Leo N. Meeds, 86 of Columbus died January 4, 2007 at the St. Johns Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO following an illness.

He was born December 10, 1920 on a farm south of Columbus, the son of Albert L. and Vesta Davis Meeds.

Leo was a 1938 graduate of Cherokee County High School. He enlisted in the Army and served during World War II in England.

He married Barbara Leckie of Joplin, MO on November 25, 1943. She survives him.

They lived on their farm west of Columbus until 1959 when they built a new home on West Elm in Columbus.

Leo was a farmer and worked for B.F. Goodrich until retiring in 1982 after 26 years of service.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, and the VFW Post number 1372 both of Columbus.

Additional survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Linda Meeds of Woodlands, TX; four granddaughters Michelle Conte and husband Mike of Plano, TX, Angela Meeds of Houston, TX, Kristin Manthe and husband Dave of Kansas City, MO, and Sharon Wilson and husband Dustin of Pittsburg, KS; a son in law John Bertolio of Overland Park, KS; a brother Gordon of Rogers, AR; four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Diane Bertolio; two sisters, Juanita Martin and Dorothy Meeds; and three brothers, Merle, Davis, and Calvin Meeds.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday January 12, 2007 at the First Christian Church Columbus, KS with Pastor Dan Haggard officiating. As per his request, the body has been cremated.

Arrangements are by the Simpson Funeral Home 323 S. Kansas Ave. Columbus.