Obituary: William (Bill) Vernon Leist, Sr.

William (Bill) Vernon Leist Sr.
William (Bill) Vernon Leist Sr.

Services for William (Bill) Vernon Leist, Sr., 79, of Ben Wheeler, Texas are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at Eubank Chapel under the direction of Eubank Funeral Home, Canton.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Ben Wheeler, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2013.

He was born Sept. 17, 1933 in Vicksburg, Miss., to Albert Leist and Evelyn Leist Johns.

Bill lived most of his adult life in Euless, Texas. He was a quiet, gentle man who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He worked as a chef and retired 11 years ago to East Texas. In his spare time he enjoyed reading his bible, gardening, cooking, traveling, playing board games and watching TV (especially cooking shows and westerns). Bill was extremely loving and proud of his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his loving, devoted wife and best friend, Shirley Leist of Ben Wheeler; three sons, Bill, Steve and Bobby Leist all of Ben Wheeler; and daughter, Janet (Leist) Young of Greensboro, NC. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Pennington and her husband Don and their two daughters, Donna and Cathy of Dallas; his 10 grandchildren, Steven, Stephanie, Shawna, Melissa, Dana, Kenley, Paul, Nikki, Lauren and Andrew; his 13 great-grandchildren, Bryson, C.J., Cash, Madisyn, Mason, Kaydenz, Brooklynn, Braxton, Lexxa, Mackinzie, Leah, Madeline and Luke; the spouses and fiancee of his children and grandchildren, David Young, Cindy Boatman, Michael Kile, Eric Schofield and Mark Gibson; as well as his many loving nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and other friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home.