Leslie "Les" Derstein

Leslie “Les” R. Derstein, 78, passed away on December 1, 2022, in Wichita, KS. Les, the son of Kenneth and Florence (Bonner) Derstein, was born in the family home on May 27, 1944, in Benton, KS. He was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Upon returning from Vietnam in 1969, he met his future wife, Barbara, in the El Dorado City Band. They were united in marriage on December 29, 1973, at the First Baptist Church in El Dorado, KS. Les graduated from El Dorado High School in 1962 and Wichita State University in May of 1977 with a master’s degree in Administration of Justice. He worked for the El Dorado Department of Corrections for 34 years and retired as a Unit Team Manager. Post retirement, he and Barbara opened Wind Heaven, Inc. in Wichita, KS. Les had many passions in life and one of his favorites was building and flying model airplanes, including control line and radio control airplanes, since age 16. During his life, he was involved in many community organizations including being a member of the Towanda, KS Masonic Lodge where he served as Grand Master. He loved fishing, hunting, being outdoors, and travelling, especially to Colorado and Maine. Les was a caring, friendly, and fun-loving person who also loved animals. His most cherished moments were those spent with his children and grandchildren.
Les’ family includes his wife, Barbara of El Dorado; children Jacque Livingstone of Houston, TX, Christopher (Amy) Derstein of Wichita, Brian (Danielle) Derstein of Wichita; grandchildren Brayden Livingstone, Ellington Derstein, Adeline and Meredith Rogers, and Ethan Derstein; and sister, Barbara (John) Templin. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert “Bob” (Mary) Derstein.
Friends may gather with the family from 1-2pm on Wednesday, December 7 at Carlson Colonial Funeral Home in El Dorado, KS. Committal services with military honors will be held at 2:30pm on Wednesday, December 7 at Walnut Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the El Dorado American Legion, El Dorado Veterans of Foreign Wars or Tunnels to Towers. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Les at www.carlsonkirbymorris.com

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