Philip T. Leslie, 71, of Haslet, TX (formerly of Miami, FL and Kent, OH) passed away Saturday, July 30, 2016.
He was born September 16, 1944, in Lisbon, OH to Chester and Mary (McMahon) Leslie.
Phil's love of family was first and foremost in his life. His wife Kim, was the love of his life (he always said, "she's my number 1, she's more important to me than air"). His boys, Patrick and Sean, were his pride and joy and he truly loved every second of being a father, and in more recent years a grandfather to his precious granddaughters Megan and Maddie. He enjoyed traveling and cruising with Kim, visiting family and friends, and planning "new family adventures". He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed kidding and laughing with family, friends, and coworkers, always making the best of a difficult situation and always left everyone smiling. He was truly an extraordinarily kind and loving man, and touched the lives of so many. We will miss him dearly.
Phil graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School, class of 1962. He attended Kent State University, and served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He went on to pursue a career in aviation in Miami, Florida, as a Scheduling Manager with Eastern Airlines for 23 years, and Scheduling Coordinator with Airbus Training Center for 22 years. Phil retired from Airbus in October 2014, and he and Kim moved to Haslet, Texas, to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.
Phil is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kim (Byers) Leslie; sons, Patrick (Stephanie) Leslie of Haslet, TX and Sean (Allison) Leslie of Saline, MI; granddaughters, Megan and Madelyn Leslie of Haslet, TX; brother, C.G. (Ruth) Leslie of Thompson, OH; sister, Mary Ann Zalewski of Kent; brother-in-law, Keith (Kristi) Byers of Fairhope, AL; sister-in-law, Kyle Byers (Bill) of St. Peters, MO; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Terrence and Jon Paul Leslie; aunt, Frances McMahon; and brother-in-law, Robert Zalewski.
Phil wished to have a private gathering of family and friends to honor and rejoice in his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rett Syndrome Foundation in honor of Phil's niece Katelyn Hale. You can make contributions online at www.Rettsyndrome.org, by phone 1-800-818-7388, or by mail Rettsyndrome.org, PO Box 706143, Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143.