September 14, 1932 – June 17, 2021

Obituary

Virgil Leonard Brisendine, 88, of La Junta, died peacefully after a brief illness, on June 17, 2021 at Memorial Hospital. Leonard was born September 14, 1932 at Kim, Colorado to Virgil and Mabel Eleanor (Nester) Brisendine. The family moved throughout Southeast Las Animas county several times during Leonard’s childhood, and he started school in the one room McArthur schoolhouse near Andrix. Leonard graduated from Kim High School in 1950 and began working on the family farm. Leonard farmed until he moved to La Junta in 1957.

Leonard married Wanda Eastman in Pueblo, Colorado on July 11, 1963. To this union were born two children, Michael Lynn and Michelle Marie. They made their family home in La Junta, where Leonard worked a variety of jobs, including time spent with Valley Plumbing, BNSF, Pepsi Cola, the City of La Junta and East Otero School District. Leonard retired from the school district in 1992, after many years of diligent service with the custodial staff.

As a man of deep abiding faith, Leonard devoted much of his time to First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta, and served in various capacities on the church board. Members of the church will remember Leonard greeting newcomers and quietly counting attendance every Sunday morning. He faithfully helped count the tithes and offerings, and would take the deposit to the bank every Monday morning. Later in life, Leonard attended various Bible studies, Cowboy Church, and Wednesday night services throughout the community.

During his retirement, Leonard enjoyed recycling scrap metals, caring for his chickens, and attending his grandchildren’s games and activities. He rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy. He was devoted to crossword puzzles and collected model cars, shot glasses, and whatever else caught his eye. Leonard remained sharp witted and tough well into his eighties, and was happily able to live at home until his final illness.

Leonard is survived by his two children, Mike (Karla Winter) Brisendine of Eaton, and Michelle (Dan) Eveatt of Cañon City; grandchildren, Nathan (Jayme) Eveatt; Lindsey (Joshua) Cochran, Hailey Eveatt, Dillon Eveatt, and Emily Brisendine; great grandchildren, Hadley Cochran and Oliver Eveatt. He was preceded into death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Wanda, his parents, Virgil and Eleanor, and his three sisters; Eunice, Lula, and Lois.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 24, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta.

A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held Friday, June 25, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta, Colorado. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta. Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.