Obituary
BRENT LESLIE LEEDS, AGED 79, DIED NOVEMBER 13, 2021. BRENT WAS BORN ON SEPTEMBER 6, 1942 IN KANSAS CITY, MO TO WILLIAM AND LOYCE LEEDS.
BRENT GREW UP IN KANSAS CITY AND IS A GRADUATE OF EAST HIGH SCHOOL. AFTER GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL, BRENT JOINED THE ARMY IN 1964 AND AFTER SPECIAL FORCES TRAINING, HE WAS SENT TO VIETNAM. HE WAS STATIONED IN PLEI-KU AND WAS THE PERSONAL DRINKING BUDDY OF MARTHA RAE AND ALSO MET ANN MARGARET. BRENT EARNED THE VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL WITH 1 BRONZE STAR, VIETNAM CAMPAIGN MEDAL, NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL, EXPERT RIFLE AND EXPERT WITH M60.
AFTER VIETNAM BRENT MARRIED SHARON KUDZIUS AND THEY HAD ONE SON, EDWARD KUDZIUS. SHARON PASSED AWAY AFTER GIVING BIRTH TO EDWARD. HE THEN MARRIED BARBARA BRANSTETTER IN 1968 AFTER A WHIRLWIND COURTSHIP OF THREE MONTHS IN 1968. THEIR TWIN DAUGHTERS CAME ALONG IN 1973.
BRENT OWNED AND OPERATED LEEDS CUSTOM ENGRAVING IN LEES SUMMIT. HE PROVIDED QUALITY AWARDS AND MERCHANDISE FOR THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. HE BELIEVED THAT THE CUSTOMER ALWAYS CAME FIRST.
BRENT ENJOYED HUNTING AND CAMPING. HE LOOKED FORWARD TO HUNTING WITH HIS BUDDIES AND LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT STAG. HE WOULD MAKE VENISON STEW FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER AND THERE USUALLY WAS NONE LEFT. HE CONVINCED HIS WIFE, BARBARA, TO BUY A CAMPER AND TOUR WITH TWO LITTLE GIRLS AROUND THE UNITED STATES. MANY GREAT FAMILY MEMORIES WERE MADE ON THOSE CAMPING TRIPS.
BRENT WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE IS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HIS PARENTS AND AN INFANT DAUGHTER. HE LEAVES HIS WIFE BARBARA OF 53 YEARS, THREE CHILDREN; EDWARD KUDZIUS, REINA SKILES (MIKE), RENEE MAGEE (TOM), TWO GRANDCHILDREN, AARON & KATHRYN SKILES, ONE SISTER, STATIA LEEDS AND ONE NIECE AND NEPHEW, SUSAN AND MITCHELL STINNETT.
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS MAY BE MADE TO LEES SUMMIT VFW POST #5789 AND HEARTLAND HONOR FLIGHT.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
In honor of Brent Leeds, my cousin, I send my condolences to Barbara, his loyal and steadfast wife, his daughters Reina and Renee, and their children. I also send my condolence to Brent’s sister, Stacia, who with her brother provided a younger cousin many wonderful memories and kindnesses. May you all find peace and comfort knowing that you did all you could for Brent over the recent years. And may he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
-Janet
RIP old friend. Your East High School classmates have responded with an abundance of sorrow and respect. You deserve all of it. As one vet to another, Thank You for your service to our nation. You will be missed. It is my honor to have known you.
Barbara and family– I am so sorry to learn of Brent’s passage. May God be near each of you. I remember him as a fun-loving guy! We are praying for your peace and God’s comfort.
Dr. Greg & Elaine (Brinson) Dean
Bethany, MO
So sorry to hear of Brent’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Rita Clifford
So very sorry for the passing of a good husband, great American and dedicated patriot. He will leave many lasting memories. May God’s grace comfort his family.
So sorry to hear of your Dads passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brent and I first met in late 1977. Brent was one of five local businessmen who regularly enjoyed breakfast at a restaurant located near Gregory Blvd and Oak St, in south Kansas City. I was introduced to Brent and his breakfast group by a mutual friend who was a KCMO PD officer. Sadly, the officer who introduced us was killed in the line of duty in December 1978. At that time, I too was a KCMO PD officer. Brent and his business associates thereafter “adopted” me and decades of friendship with the entire group developed and flourished. Though the years, my wife and I have cherished the many years of friendship we’ve established with Brent , Barbara and their children. Brent exemplified professionalism in his business, loyalty and dedication as a friend, and honor and duty to his country. I will miss him but never forget him. To Barbara and family, may the concern and sympathy of those who care, help you through this difficult time.
May God bless and be with the entire family . . . 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏
Rest In Peace Brent and thank you for your service and love for the United States of America 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 Heaven gained an awesome patriot, husband, father, brother and friend ✝️
My heartfelt condolences and prayers for all your family are sent today. May God comfort your hearts. Your neighbor, Jeannie Dangler
Barbara and girls so very sorry for your loss. I know you are missing Brent every moment of every day! I always loved his dry sense of humor! He made me laugh! He enjoyed life and always proud of you all!! Just hang on to the wonderful memories with him!! And keep an eye on your sweet momma!
Love you all! Hugs!
Barbara,
I just learned today about Brent passing last year. My sincere sympathy to you and the girls for your great loss. Debbie Stratton passed the news along to me today.
Therese