J.L. Gaume, 60, of Leavenworth, died Tuesday at Cushing Memorial Hospital of natural causes.

He was born February 5, 1952, in Manhattan, the son of the late Robert and Nina (Hayter) Gaume.

He graduated from Manhattan High School in 1970 and received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Kansas State University.

He was the owner and operator of Professional Tax in Leavenworth for the last 25 years.

J.L. had a passion for hot rod cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. He was an animal lover, who particularly enjoyed wildlife and the outdoors.

His love of the outdoors began with scouting, where he earned the Eagle Scout award.

He is survived by three sons, two daughter-in-laws and a daughter, Derek Gaume and Rose England, Chris Gaume, David and Elizabeth (Fiser) Gaume, and Lisa Gaume; six grandchildren; his partner, Mary B. Dunlap; and two siblings. Robert "Jerry" Gaume and Virginia "Joyce" Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A gathering of food and fellowship for family and friends will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Ave., Leavenworth. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Wildlife, 23375 Guthrie Road, Linwood, 66052 or online at www.owl-online.org.

obituary from The Manhattan Mercury - February 2012