Leo R. Herbel, 87 of Hays, Kansas and formerly of Russell, Kansas died Thursday, January 19, 2012 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Leo was born September 13, 1924 near Dorrance, Kansas the son of Reinhardt and Molly (Neuvert) Herbel.  He grew up and attended school in the Dorrance area.

Leo served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.  He was a Sergeant in the European Theater.

Leo was united in marriage to Hubertina R. Weigel on January 26, 1948 in Russell.  This union was blessed with three children; Leo Jr., Lionel and Brenda.

After the war, Leo returned to Russell County where he worked as a farmer and for Bethlehem Steel.  Then in 1979, Leo became the owner and operator of Leo’s Pump and Supply Company.  He served the oil industry for over 50 years before he sold his business and retired in 2006.  Then for a couple of years he sold cars for Lucas Motors for something to do.

Leo was a member of the St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell.  He also belonged to the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240, Russell American Legion Post #99 and the Russell Elks Lodge.  He loved traveling and playing slot machines.

Surviving family include his wife of 63 years, Hubertina of the home; sons, Leo Herbel, Jr. (Linda) of Kansas City, Kansas and Lionel Herbel of Wichita, Kansas; daughter, Brenda Linenberger (Mark) of Hays, Kansas; sisters, Molly Easter of Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Vera Pejsha of Wilson, Kansas and Elsie Root of Salina, Kansas; four grandchildren, Stacey, Jason, Taylor and Kobe; and four great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dan Herbel and Henry Herbel and sisters, Bertha Claussen, Irene Dick, Sara Herbel and Claire Casper.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell with Fr. Charles Steier officiating.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday, January 23, 2012 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  A Vigil will be held at 7:00 P.M. Monday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A memorial has been established with the V.A. Hospital of Topeka.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.