Lifelong Ness County resident, Leonard V. Hogsett, passed away Thursday, July 26, at Ness County Hospital in Ness City. He was born on February 26, 1925 in Ness County the son of Don H. and Emma (Gillett) Hogsett. On November 27, 1949, Leonard was united in marriage to Marcheta Betz in Ness City. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ness City.

Leonard spent most of his early years on the family farm south of Ness City. He attended school at Fairplay (a one room country school), close to where he lived. He shortened his school years and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943 during World War II. He was stationed at Hawthorne, NV, assigned to assemble artillery shells. He was honorably discharged in 1945. Leonard received his Honorary High School Diploma from the 2001 Graduating Class of Operation Recognition in Ness City. Leonard's name is listed at the Veteran's Memorial and Park in Ness City and his name, along with his picture are on display at the World War II exhibit in the Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence, KS. In 2008, Leonard joined other veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington DC to visit the World War II Memorial. He was proud to be a veteran and had many interesting stories to share.

Leonard farmed most of his life and only knew to work hard and honest. He worked eleven years for Harold Humburg (a large farmer and stockman) while living on one of his properties south of Ness City. In 1964, Leonard and his family moved to their new home in Ness City. By then, he was farming for himself and also worked for the County to supplement the farm income. Leonard farmed in Ness County and Hodgeman County. He retired from the County after 24 years. He and his wife farmed for a total of 47 years. During those years, he depended on his wife to be the truck driver and cook, while he took on the responsibilities of the tractor and combine driver and mechanic. Leonard made it successfully through the difficult and trying times with his eagerness to work and his determination to never give up. He retired after his farm sale in 1998.

Leonard played the harmonica since he was a young man, but his desire to do more was inspired by his wife since she sang and played the guitar. He played by ear, and taught himself to play a variety of string instruments. He started a collection of fiddles and then, with his ingenuity, he knew he could make one that sounded better than any in his collection. He had set a goal to make a fiddle for each of his grandchildren, and accomplished that goal with the help of a tool he made from a bottle opener to carve the wood. He made ten fiddles this way. He gave up making fiddles due to the tedious hours of labor they required. Leonard never gave up playing, though; he always had his fiddle with him, ready to play for anyone at any time. He loved to watch two of his grandchildren play their fiddles and enjoyed playing along with them. He was a member of the Kansas Old Time Fiddlers, Pickers, and Singers. Leonard and his wife traveled throughout the state to entertain at community events, senior centers, celebrations, and many different programs. He was asked numerous times to be a guest speaker about making fiddles. He also captivated an audience at several Fiddlers Conventions in Elk City, Oklahoma. He played for residents at the nursing home in Ness City for over 24 years before it was made his new residence; a severe stroke confined him to the nursing home in 2011. He had his fiddle in hand when he moved in.

Music wasn't the only hobby Leonard enjoyed. Growing up near the Pawnee Creek, he developed a love for fishing and included his son on many adventures. Leonard looked forward to every pheasant season, especially opening weekend with family and friends. Rock polishing was another hobby on Leonard's list. He was able to locate many unique rocks while working in the sand pit for the County and polished some beautiful pieces.

Leonard was a loving husband and was proud to be married to the love of his life for 62 years. He was also a devoted father. He thought it was important to take a family vacation and many times that included a visit with relatives. Leonard frequently talked about the unforgettable memories while traveling with his three children. He was also a proud grandfather. He knew what was special to the grandchildren, attending their events and cheering them on. He always showed his support and never said "no" when asked to videotape a special occasion. Leonard was delighted being a great-grandfather, holding little ones on his lap, telling stories, playing the fiddle for them, and even letting them attempt to play.

Leonard will be dearly missed by his wife, Marcheta; two daughters, Carolyn and husband David Schluck of Nassau, Delaware, Marilyn and husband Steve Misner of Edmond, Oklahoma; one son Larry Hogsett and wife Tammy of Lawrence, Kansas; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and four step great grandchildren. Other survivors include one brother Loren Hogsett of Queens, New York; five sisters Stella McKelvie of Buena Vista, Colorado, Bessie Crego of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Beulah McFadden of Salida, Colorado, Ada Hagan of Brunswick, Georgia, and Donna Ziebolz of Colorado Springs, Colorado; several nephews and nieces; cousins; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Martha Welsch, and two brothers Melvin and Chester Hogsett.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 30, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Ness City. Burial will take place at the Ness City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ness County Historical Society, Cedar Village of Ness City, or the National Stroke Association and may be sent in care of Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 207 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Ness City, KS 67560.

Visitation will be Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.