Leonard H. Major, 84, of Dorrance, Kansas, died on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Leonard was born on April 12, 1926 on the family farm in Dorrance, the son of Henry J. and Marie (Schultz) Major.  Leonard grew up and spent all of his life in the Dorrance area.  He attended local schools and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1943.  He met, fell in love and married Fern L. Steward on June 4, 1950 at the First Lutheran Church in Dorrance.  From this union, they were blessed with four children Ron, Steve, Deb and Teresa.  His beloved Fern preceded him on death on May 17, 2001.  Leonard was a farmer and stockman and loved managing the family farm.  Like many farmers and never one to stay idle, he also had many side jobs that kept him busy.  He worked as a local school bus driver for 17 years, Custom Cutter for 25 years, owner of the Dorrance City Café, and worked for Beaver Grain for 10 years.  He and Fern were longtime members of the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance.  Leonard was also a member of the Co-op Board of Directors, Council member of the First Lutheran Church and Sunday School Superintendent, Post Rock Rural Water District, U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. and the Dorrance Lions Club.  Some of his hobbies consisted of being a carpenter, mechanic and an avid 4H supporter, helping his kids and grandkids. He also enjoyed square dancing and playing cards.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Ron Major and wife Donna Fay and Steve Major and wife Lisa all of Dorrance; daughters Deb Karst and husband Steve of Russell and Teresa Major of Dorrance; sister Irene Cheney of Purdy, Missouri; five grandchildren Heath and Brandon Major, Jared Karst, Brooke and Lacey Major; great grandson Lucien Karst.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Darrell, sister Marilyn Blagg and great granddaughter Violet Karst.

A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance with Sister Diane Wagner officiating.  Graveside services will follow at the Dorrance City Cemetery in Dorrance.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell, Kansas.  The family will greet visitors Tuesday night from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. and have a prayer service at 7 P.M. immediately following the visitation.  Memorials may be given to the First Lutheran Church of Dorrance and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.