Leslie "Les" Donald Dechant, 77, Wichita, Kansas, formerly of Ness City, Kansas passed away July 6, 2013 in Wichita, Kansas, due to injuries sustained in a fall. Les was born July 20, 1935 to Antonius and Susanna Schneider Dechant in Bazine, Kansas. He was raised on the family farm in Bazine, Kansas. He married Shirley Ruth Delaney of Ness City, Kansas, on November 23, 1954. To this union five children were born.

Les owned and operated a custom cutting service which took him from the Texas borders to the Canadian line each year for approximately 30 years. He later operated Les' Welding and Repair Service until the death of his wife Shirley in 1985. After his retirement he resided in Wichita, Kansas.

While in Ness City, he was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus. Les loved the outdoors, working with his hands, helping friends and family. He loved watching wrestling on TV. He never knew a stranger and would help anyone out in time of need. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening and had a love for colorful flowers.

In addition to his mother and father Les is preceded in death by his loving wife of 30 years, an infant son, Stephen Ray Dechant, brothers; Adam, Henry, and John Dechant, sisters; Lillian Munch and Isadora Tabor; In-laws Homer and Fern Delaney.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory four children; Judy Smith, Wichita, KS; Janet (Jonanthan) George, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Joleen (Robert) Dechant-Wagner, Garden City, KS; George (Julie) Dechant, Stafford, KS. Ten grandchildren; Eric (Lysa) Smith, Andrew (Angela) Smith; Angela (Justin) Hoch; Brett George; Chance (Kiesha) Zimmerman; Cody (Amber) Zimmerman; Lucas (Stephanie) Dechant; Natausha (Derrick) St.Peter; Nicole (Remmington) Smith; Ethan (Haley) Dechant. Twelve Great-grandchildren; Ava and Anson Smith; Delaney, Brianna and Alexis Lorenz; Chesney and Taelyn Hoch; Kenzie and Kollin Zimmerman; Dacey St.Peter; Clint Smith and Avery Dechant. Brother, Alec Dechant, Bazine, KS; sisters, Loretta Giltner, Lincoln, NE., and Lucille Preisser, Hutchinson, KS; brother in law, Gene (Judy) Delaney and sister in law, Sharon Munsch of Ness City; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, July 11, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, Ness City. With burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Rosary will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City on Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. Friends may call on Wednesday from Noon until service time. Words of sympathy and support may be left for the family by clicking on the "Sign Guest Book" link above.