Leonard Gene Cardwell

Leonard Gene Cardwell, 73, of Topeka, KS passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Friday , July 2, 2021 at Midland Hospice House.
Leonard was born on July 16, 1947 in Vallejo, CA the son of James and Melba “Encerti” Cardwell.  He graduated from Manteca High School in 1965 and San Joaquin College in 1973 with a degree in Business.  In 1968, Leonard’s previous marriage to Karen Ann “Olson” Morse blessed him with his two beautiful children Julie and Kurtis.  Leonard worked as a transportation clerk with Santa Fe Railroad from 1965 until he retired in 2005.  Leonard started his journey with his soulmate Irene Ellen Benson and they were married on December 21, 2008 in Topeka, KS, where they’ve spent the last 13 years.  They loved to spend their evenings by their pond, going for long walks to his cabin, antiquing and traveling.  He was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Topeka, KS.  Leonard also enjoyed drinking coffee with his railroad buddies and having breakfast at the Dover Café. He especially loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and family.
He is survived by his wife Irene, his daughter Julie Ann “Cardwell” (Carey) Mullin, Topeka, KS and his son Kurtis John (Rachel) Cardwell, Tonganoxie, KS; two stepsons J. Justin (Joclyn) Benson, Chatfield, MN, Elliot Benson Hurley, SD; and a stepdaughter Maria “Benson” (Chet) Vander Velde Sanborn, IA; his grandchildren, Justin Jordan, Erin, “AJ”, Asher, Malachi, Miriam, Ephraim, Eli, Olivia, Cooper, Maggie and Carson, and his beloved great granddaughter Melody Moon, along with several nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Raymond Rivas.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.  Burial will follow at the Old Stone Church Cemetery in Maple Hill, KS.  Leonard will lie in state Thursday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church with visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to the Midland Care and may be sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home, who is handling the arrangements.  Condolences and remembrances may be left online at www.davidsonfuneral.com.