Leland Duane Firestone went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on the morning of August 31, 2016. He peacefully passed-away in his sleep, while surrounded by family and friends at his river-front home in southern Colorado. He was 84 years old at the time of his passing.

In heaven, Lee joins his parents Leland Delman Firestone and Eva Mae Nichols, his sister Bonnie Layman, brothers-in-law John Hancock and Clyde Layman, his youngest daughter Shari Kay Herrin, his great granddaughter Mackenzie Ann Wilson; and other relatives who have gone before him.

Lee was born on February 25, 1932 in Dalhart, Texas.

He served 2 1/2 years in the Air Force, before receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1959; when he returned to Dalhart to assist his father in building the world famous "Firestone Motel" located on Hwy 87 just outside of Dalhart.

He attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas, while earning a BBA in Business Accounting. Upon returning to Dalhart, he began a lifetime banking career at Citizens State Bank. He retired from banking in 1997, while employed by Texas Commerce Bank in Houston, Texas.

In 1987 Lee married Betty LeGene Taylor Firestone in Kingwood, Texas. LeGene was Lee's enduring "rock" and loving partner (she even hand-made the stained glass panels found throughput the lodge!) for the past 29 years, and her unwavering devotion to him during his extended illness was nothing short of amazing!

Lee had many passions, including baseball, basketball, and volleyball. He was an extremely talented home designer, and he built self-designed homes in Dalhart and Southern Colorado. The Colorado home was a spectacular 7500 Sq. Ft. mountain lodge on the banks of the Conejos River. He particularly enjoyed sitting in a rocking chair on the Lodge's back deck that over-looked the rocky rapids on the river, accompanied by
his beloved Stellar Blue Jays and Chipmunks, whom he fed daily.

Dominoes (particularly games of 42 and 88) were a favorite past-time; and there's no doubt that Lee is playing a spirited round in heaven with several of the Apostles, at this very moment!

Praising and serving Christ have been central to Lee's and LeGene's life together in Colorado; and he was a founding board member of the Conejos Canyon Community Chapel (CCCC). Additionally, Lee helped design and build the San Juan Mountain Church in Horca, CO, where they have been active members of that congregation for many years. Lee was blessed with a great voice, and he loved singing classic gospel hymns.

During his lengthy illness, the church members (as well as other friends in the area) unselfishly and enthusiastically supported Lee and LeGene with continual acts of love and sacrifice that were incredible and beyond comprehension!

Our family is so appreciative of the generous out-pouring of love, and would like to extend a heart-felt "Thank-You" to all of those (and there are far too many to list) who helped Lee and LeGene during this difficult period, including: Pastor Lynn and Tami Rutland; and the JB Hixson family. LeGene is particularly grateful for the love and powerful prayers from her "Precious Ladies" - you know who you are!

Lastly, the loving and professional care provided by the ladies from the Hospice del Valle - Shannon Padia, Phyllis Pacheco, and Mary Jane Cisneros - is most appreciated and valued by our family! We now consider y'all as "family"!

Lee is survived by his wife LeGene Firestone, his oldest daughter Dianne Gilbert and husband Richard, favorite (and only) son Mike Firestone and wife Lydia. Additionally seven grandchildren: Travis Gilbert, James Gilbert, Charlie Wilson, Joe Wilson, Steven Wilson, Zach Phillips, and Amber Herrin; and their families which include 14 incredible great grandchildren!

A Visitations will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, September 4th and Monday, September 5th from 10:00-11:00 a.m. all at the San Juan Mountain Church in Horca. A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 5, 2016 at the San Juan Mountain Church in Horca. Leland will be interred in the Dalhart City Cemetery in Dalhart, Texas.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences, remarks and tributes may be left for Leland’s family by visiting his obituary at www.rogersfunerals.com

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