MINNEOLA – George Lester Leaming, 93, died Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Minneola Long Term Care.

George was born February 22, 1930 near Forgan, Oklahoma.  His parents were Lester James Leaming and Myrtle Alice (LaCrone) Leaming.  George was the youngest of ten children.

George's parents became tenant farmers during the Dust Bowl times.  Moving from place to place, trying to make a living for their family.  They moved from Forgan, Oklahoma to Box, Oklahoma, near Norman, where his maternal grandparents lived.  Eventually they would end up near Bloom where George attended school and was active in sports, and met his future wife, Jean A. Moore.  They were married on September 19, 1948 at Bloom Methodist Church.

George started working at NGPL in 1951, where he worked for 35 years, retiring as foreman in 1986.  He also helped Jean's dad, Arthur Moore on the farm south of Bloom.  Arthur and Estella Moore had come to Bloom in 1912.  Arthur was tragically killed in a car accident in March 1962.  George and Jean moved the family lock, stock, and barrel to the farm the end of May that same year.  George and Jean took over the farm and remained there until July 2020.  Their son David, began farming the land with George and now is the third generation to cultivate the family farm.

George and Jean had four children.  Judi Branine- Alberding of Paola, Kansas.  David Leaming of Bloom, Kansas.  Arlyn Leaming of Dodge City, Kansas.  Jodeen Leaming- Udovich and husband Frank of Minneola, Kansas.  Two grandchildren, Tina Branine-Bender and husband Chad of Olathe, Kansas, Geoff Branine and wife Robin of Louisburg, Kansas, two great- grandchildren, Braden and Ashley Branine of Louisburg.

George was preceded in death by his wife Jean (July 2,2023), parents, two brothers, Gene (Evelyn) and Ralph (Gracie). Five sisters, Cleo (Dick) Long, Clara (Joe) Slavin, Leta (Dale) Volden, Emma Lou (Bruce Cavender) Holdeman, and Hazel (Ike) Filbeck.  There were two siblings who died as children, Iva Jean (age 4 of diphtheria) and Robert (age 12 of pneumonia)

On Tuesday October 10, 2023 visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Minnis Mortuary, Minneola.  Funeral service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Suzie Woods officiating. Burial to follow at the Bloom cemetery.

The family suggests memorials to Hometown Market Minneola KS or Meadowlark House Child Advocacy Center, Dodge City, KS in care of Minnis Mortuary, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.