William Northrop

Leslie Northrop, 73, of Cleburne, Texas passed away Monday, September 25, 2023 at his home. Burial in the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Les was born in 1949 when coke was a nickel, gas was $0.26, and minimum wage was $0.40.  In 1969, he joined the Army and served until 1990 as a physician assistant.  He retired from the military, then worked for the Texas Department of Corrections until he completed his working career in 2005. 

Les believed in home improvement before DIY was an acronym.  He used railroad ties to build garden borders, made walkways so his grass wouldn’t get trampled, and religiously cared for a giant compost pile.  He buried family pets and made rock tombstones for the graves. He stitched family wounds and splinted broken bones at the kitchen table.  He believed in the golden rule and living every day as if it were the last.  He loved people, reading, music, and laughing.  He was funny and witty, never met a stranger, always kind, and always generous.

His laugh filled the room and his eyes always smiled. 

His life was hard and he called it beautiful.  He will forever be deeply grieved, missed and loved.  Until we meet again, Daddy.  We love you more. 

Les was preceded in death by: his mother, LeNora Kivett; father, William ‘Nelson’ Northrop; and sister Brenda Adams. 

He is survived by his wife, Hetty Northrop; son, Kirby C. Northrop; daughters, Sara Northrop and Caitlin Wilson; grandchildren, Case Northrop, Ava Wilson, Payton Northrop, Ethan Northrop, and Jack William Northrop. He will never meet his new grandson, due 2024. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Weldon; brother, Kirby L Northrop; nephews, Ryan Weldon, Cameron Weldon and Cody Northrop; and nieces, Lauren Weldon, Chelsea Henderson, Kamie Hope, Amber Adams, and Ashli Adams.