Merldene “Merle” D. Leatherman, 85, died March 17, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society – Hutchinson Village. He was born November 26, 1936, in St. John, to Merle M. and Marie M. (Koelsch) Leatherman.
Merle graduated from St. John High School in 1955 and attended Fort Hays State University. He served in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. Merle owned and operated “Mr. Fuel”, supplying Sunoco racing fuel to race tracks and drivers. He also delivered fuel for 76 Racing Fuels and managed the Hutchinson Kmart for 10 years. Merle loved watching auto races and was once a driver himself and a one-time Kansas state champion. He was a member of Crossroads Christian Church and had a strong faith in Christ expressed in his love for singing and leading singing in the churches he attended.
On November 26, 1989, Merle married M. Elaine (Bryan) Kelley in Hays. She survives.
Also surviving are: children, Sandra Taverner (Rob) of Chase, Merleta Mohr (Joseph) of Wichita, Tony Leatherman (Stephanie) of Hutchinson, Paul Leatherman (Janita) of Wichita, Michael Leatherman of Texas; sister, Debra Welch (Mike) of Wichita; his children’s mother, Donna Condit of Wichita; several stepchildren; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Leatherman.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Crossroads Christian Church, 4310 N. Monroe St. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Crossroads Christian Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.