J.W. Leslie, 71, died Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at his home in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born on June 3, 1953 in Clinton, Missouri, the son of John W. and Wanda Irene Sheets Leslie. As a child the family moved to Wichita where J.W. graduated from Wichita South High School in 1971. Later he attended Butler Community College and Wichita State University.

For several years he had been a machinist at Boeing Aircraft. J.W. loved music, especially Bluegrass and Blues, he was self taught to play the guitar at a young age and eventually he became known locally for his playing ability.

He is survived by his brother Harold Leslie of Augusta, Kansas and sister Rena Leslie of Houston, Texas. Three estranged daughters Shannon Zager of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Autumn and Audrey Leslie of Wichita, five grandsons, and three great-grandsons.

J.W. is preceded in death by his parents and daughter Stephanie Jo Gochenour.

Inurnment will take place in Creighton, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22 between 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. at Spear's Restaurant, 4323 W Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Kansas.