Leslie A. Burchard

Bro. Leslie A. Burchard, 99, of Greenville, MO, passed away at his residence Thursday, April 10, 2025. He was born December 20, 1925, in Chaonia, MO, to William Washington and Mamie Georgetta (Bowers) Burchard.

A proud veteran, Bro. Leslie served his country with honor in World War II as part of the United States Army’s 100th Division, 398th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 1st Squadron, C Company. He saw combat in both France and Germany, carrying the strength and humility of a soldier into every chapter of his life. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st award, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

On July 1, 1946, he married the love of his life, Stella Crutchfield. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising eight children and sharing fifty-five years of devotion before her passing. A nurturing father, loving grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and true friend. Bro. Leslie was the steady foundation of his large and growing family.

Bro. Leslie answered the call to ministry over seventy years ago and faithfully served as a General Baptist pastor throughout Wayne County and beyond. His passion for spreading the Gospel took him to countless churches including Kime Church, New Liberty Jacktown Church, Camp Eight Church, Shiloh Church, Rings Creek Church, Richmond Chapel Church, Bright Prospect Church, and Oak Dale Church, to name a few. In addition to traveling thousands of miles, touching countless lives with his message of hope and salvation, Bro. Leslie mentored many ministers including Brothers Gary Haynes, Kenny Burchard, and Glen Crutchfield, and numerous others.

Whether in the pulpit, the fields, or the sawmill, Bro. Leslie was a hard worker and a wise mentor. He farmed the land, logged the woods, and operated a sawmill with his sons, always leading by example, insisting and making sure the boys do things the right way. Even in retirement, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to run a flea market in Greenville for over twenty years, where he continued to connect with neighbors and friends.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife Stella Burchard; children: Lonnie Burchard, Vickie Moyer, and Beverly James; brothers: Louie and Walter Burchard; sisters: Iva Crutchfield, Lola Scott, Erva Leach, and Eva Conner.

Bro. Leslie is survived by his children: Larry Burchard and wife Pat of Greenville, Junior Burchard and wife Donita of Greenville, David Burchard of Greenville, Doug Burchard and wife Judy of Roscoe, IL, Donna Haynes and husband Gary of Greenville; brother: Cledis Burchard and wife Peggy of Greenville; sister: Verlene McNew of Poplar Bluff; son-in law: Frank James of Imperial; daughter-in-law: Shirley Burchard of Greenville; one hundred nineteen grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren: many nieces, nephews, friends, and a church family who deeply loved him.

Known for his quiet strength, kind heart, and ever-present smile, Bro. Leslie was an inspiration, a mentor, and a true patriarch of his family and community. His legacy of faith, love, and service will live on through the many lives he touched. Bro. Leslie lived a life marked by unwavering faith, tireless service, and deep love for his family and community.

Visitation was held at 5:00 pm, Saturday, April 12, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church, Silva, MO. Funeral service was held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, April 13, 2025, also at New Hope Baptist Church. Bro. Kenny Burchard, Bro. Glen Crutchfield, and Bro. Gary Haynes ministered to the family. Music was provided by Sis. Sue Allen, accompanied by pianist Bro. Gary Reeves. Burial followed in Kime Cemetery, Greenville, with full military honors provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 281, Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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