Leslie C Mast

Elkhart-Leslie "Les" C. Mast was born October 5, 1913 to homesteaders, Sanford and Alta Mast in Box Elder, Hill County, Montana. In his early years, Leslie and his family returned to Elkhart where they remained for the rest of their lives. Leslie Mast passed away peacefully at Miller's Merry Manor in Wakarusa on Saturday, August 20 2016 at the age of 102. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Fern Fruchey, his brother Glen Mast, wife Rose and wife Elizabeth (Betty).

Having only lived in Elkhart City a short time Leslie grew up on farms around the county of Elkhart. As an Elkhart High School student, he ran a one mile trap line along Christiana Creek from the family farm to the Michigan line, worked the family farm, hunted and cut firewood for family use and for income in order to support his parents and siblings. He graduated from Elkhart High School and enlisted in the US Navy at the start of World War II, serving as a naval mechanic in Bizerte, Tunisia. At the end of the European war, he was transferred to the Philippines for the war effort against Japan. In October of 1945, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy. He returned to Elkhart and married Rosemary Streiby (deceased) rearing her two sons, Jack and Jerry Smith and later a granddaughter Vicki (Jim) Overhulser. After his wife's death, Leslie married Elizabeth Ellis on October 15, 1977. She died October 28, 2006.

Leslie is survived by his granddaughter Vicki as well as the Ellis children: John (Julia) Ellis, Joel (Helen) Ellis, Barbara Ellis - Jeffries (Junior), all of whom he treated as his very own children. Leslie has 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Leslie worked as a machinist his entire adult life and retired from Miles Laboratories where he worked as a maintenance machinist for 34 years.

As a child, Leslie gave his heart to Christ. He loved his family and the Lord and was a servant to both. He attended First Baptist Church of Elkhart for many years where he served in many volunteer roles; more recently he had been an active member at Northside Baptist Church, Elkhart, Indiana.

Leslie worked hard his entire life. He had a servant's heart. He was a good friend and father to his extended family. Leslie was loved by all he met. His children and grandchildren have all benefitted from his love for the outdoors and willingness to show them how to hunt, fish and enjoy nature. He attended many of his grandchildren's ball games and activities. Les and Betty drove their chase/support vehicle for cross-country bicycle races and tours. He enjoyed traveling. He modeled the best of parenting and will be missed by many who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Thursday, August 25, 2016 at Waterman Westbrook Clouse Funeral Home, 1129 Prairie Street, Elkhart, Indiana. There will also be one hour of calling prior to the 11:00 am funeral service at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church in Elkhart with interment and Military Honors to follow in Prairie Street Cemetery. Waterman - Westbrook-Clouse Funeral Home has been entrusted with his care.

In his memory, donations may be given to the Baptist Children's Home. 354 West Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. To leave an online condolence for Leslie, please visit our website at www.watermanfh.com.

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