Vernon Edward Leat

Vernon Edward Leat, 64, of Shawnee, KS passed away Tuesday, August 17th at his home. Vernon was born April 24th, 1957 to William “Bill” and Vivian Leat in Kansas City, KS. He graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School in 1975 where he played trumpet in the jazz and marching bands and was a star member of the debate team. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in World Literature from Ottawa University in 1979.

Vernon had a passion for all types of art and was fortunate to be able to turn his love of photography into a career. He owned and operated Umbrella Group Arts in Kansas City, MO for almost 40 years. In his spare time, Vernon enjoyed bowling around Kansas City and playing disc golf at Rosedale Park. His favorite place in Kansas City was the pin at the third hole of the Rosedale Upper Course. He looked forward to meetings of the bobos book club that gathered every other month for over twenty years. He was an avid music fan and enjoyed an extensive collection of vinyl records.

Vernon is preceded in death by his father, Rev. William “Bill” Leat. He is survived by his daughters, Jane Hahn Leat; Portia Hahn Leat; his mother, Vivian Leat; two sisters, Twyla Boyer; Becky Humphrey and husband Matt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A private celebration of Vernon’s life will be held at a later date