Leslie A. Farlin

Leslie Alvin Farlin, 91, of Big Springs, NE passed away Friday, December 16, 2022 at his home. Leslie was born May 11, 1931 in Lynch, NE to Virgil and Augusta (Otto) Farlin. He lived in Burton, NE from 1931-1943, then Springview, NE graduating from Springview High School in 1949. Leslie taught in a one room school in the area for a year. In 1950, he moved to live with his older sister and brother-in-law in Big Springs and worked as a field hand. He worked at the Brown Service Station, and then was hired as a mechanical engineer at Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Company compressor station, eventually becoming the plant supervisor and area supervisor. He retired in 1994 after 41 years with the company. Leslie farmed the family land, maintained machinery, fed cattle, and worked for other farmers when time permitted evenings and weekends. He was a volunteer fireman. Leslie was a member of Big Spring United Methodist Church, Platte Valley National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Masons, Ogallala Order of Eastern Star serving as Worthy Patron, serving alongside his wife as Worthy Matron. 

Leslie met his future wife the first day he rode into town on his 1949 Indian motorcycle. She was walking home from high school with his younger sister and he offered to give them a ride home. Leslie soon sold the motorcycle to buy a J3 Piper Cub airplane, eventually selling his plane to buy a ’49 Ford in which to court Bev. Leslie married Beverly Brown on August 20, 1954 remaining in Big Springs and raising seven wonderful children; Susan, Lynne, Ann, Stuart, David, Amy and Jason.

Leslie enjoyed cars or anything with an engine, and everything about them; driving, flying, maintaining, restoring, researching, and even drag racing as a young man winning races with his ’55 Chevy. He enjoyed reading, camping, bowling, sailing, word games, puzzles, crosswords, and mechanical challenges. He loved his family and especially enjoyed traveling to visit his children and grandchildren and all the excursions and experiences involved with their many varied interests. His quiet strength, gentle demeanor and soft chuckle laugh will be greatly missed.

Leslie is survived by his wife Beverly Farlin, daughters; Susan (Ray) Weinerman of Rapid City, SD, Lynne (Varner) Richards of Irmo, SC, Ann (Mike) Jacobs of Cheyenne, WY, Amy (Brian) Colson of Phoenix, AZ, sons; Stuart (Lynn) Farlin of Norfolk, VA, David Farlin of Las Vegas, NV, Jason Farlin of Lincoln, NE, 21 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, brothers; Ivan Farlin of Springview, NE, Stanley Farlin of Scottsdale, AZ, Donald Farlin of Minden, NE, sisters; Veda (Mike) Chase of Crofton, NE, Annita (Bret) Benedict of Great Falls, MT, and many nieces and nephews. 

Leslie was preceded in death by father Virgil Farlin, mother Augusta Otto Farlin, step-mother, Ollie Farlin, in-laws Jack and Vina Brown, brothers; Byron Mentzer, Bud Mentzer, Darrel Farlin, sisters; Ruth Spink, Vivian Wood, Joanne McLaughlin, granddaughter Louise Richards, grandson Charles Blaylock.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at the Big Springs United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ray Weinerman of Rapid City, SD officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Big Springs Volunteer Fire Department or Big Springs United Methodist Church.
Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the share a memory button.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

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