Leslie Arthur Zirkle

Date of Death: August 28, 2013

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Sunday 9/1, 3:00 pm

Leslie A. Zirkle

Mr. Leslie A. Zirkle, 89, of Frederick County, Virginia died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in Winchester Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Born July 16, 1924, in Portsmouth Virginia the son of the late John and Jennie Zirkle, he spent his childhood there before enlisting in the U. S. Army just prior to World War II. He served proudly in the European Theatre in the 629 Tank Destroyers Battalion, from the beaches of Normandy until the wars end.

He married Mary Eleanor Eberly on July 7, 1946, in Norfolk, Virginia. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2005.

He continued his military career until his retirement in 1967, where he achieved the rank of Sgt. Major. His final assignment was with the White House Communications Agency, which allowed him to move his family to Round Hill, in Loudoun County, where he spent many wonderful hours with family and friends.

He traveled extensively with his wife Mary, throughout the country for the next 25 years or more, visiting and making friends wherever he went, which was one of his greatest attributes. He will be deeply missed by both family and friends alike.

Surviving are three sons, Martin F. Zirkle, John L. Zirkle and Jeffrey D. Zirkle; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and his brother, Delbert Zirkle of Chesapeake, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 on Sunday, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

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Leslie A. Zirkle Mr. Leslie A. Zirkle, 89, of Frederick County, Virginia died Wednesday, August 28, 2013, in Winchester Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Born July 16, 1924, in Portsmouth Virginia the son of the late John and Jennie Zirkle, he spent his childhood there before enlisting in the U. S. Army justContinue Reading

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Les ( Sarge ) as we all knew him was a fine man and a real WWII hero. I have many very fond memories of him at the truck stop where we shared many meals and talked for hours. I loved hearing his stories about the war and his travels. We shared a lot of jokes and solved the world's problems at that table. I have the deepest regret that I will never be able to do that again and will hold his memory in my heart. God bless him and his family.

Dad, I know in my heart that a man's legacy is so truly important when he stands before the Lord and I know that you left in so many people, especially those of us that know you best, the inability to hide behind your supposedly rough exterior.... the fact that there existed the most compassionate and loving heart of a truly caring man. I consider myself the expert here on earth of who you really were here, and with that knowledge I can say that you made me a better man, and my brothers and so many of us that were fortunate to know you. Being at your side in those closing hours, you also showed this compassion by worrying about your loved ones and how your death was going to sadden our lives. In the end, the looks we shared between each other can only be understood in the heart, as no words are capable of describing what we both knew was being communicated. You left me proud of your courage in those final moments, and I know that you will be with mom now, because you have completed "the race". Be at peace. I pledge to finish out my life as a testament of God's Mercy, to you and to us all, throughout the world. Amen.

Sarge, I remember years ago when I first met you down at City Limit's Restaurant. You lit up the room with your smile and your jokes, and you still did till the present day. You were one tough cookie in my book. I know we (my family) thought the world of you. Every time I saw you, whether it was at City Limit's, Gregg's, or Jo Gail's, you would always ask about my children or Rick if he wasn't with me. I know it just won't be the same not seeing your smiling face surrounding by your friends at Jo Gail's anymore. And I sure will miss giving you your kiss on the check when I saw you. So rest easy my friend and be at peace and join your loved ones in heaven. Watch over your family'friends here on earth and be with them through this sad time and let them know that it's okay. We will miss you dearly and remember you often and we will love you always & forever. God Bless. Our Condolences To His Family and Loved Ones. We will not be able to attend to due we will be out of town. We will be with you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. You had an amazing father/grandfather/brother. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him. Stay strong and reach out to each other and stay close at heart. He will be with you always.

God Bless you Sarge, you are with your beloved Mary and I know you are at peace.You and I consoled each other a lot after Mary died 2 months to the day after Burzie (my husband) I think it gave you peace to thin k you would see her again someday. You had your doubts but I do think you believed. You are loved by many and will certainly be missed Gods speed to you.

My deepest condolences to your entire family. "Zeke" was truly one of a kind, he was a wonderful and loyal friend to my family for many years. I remember the jokes that went back and forth and the great stories of my parents with Zeke and Mary, not only in Round Hill, but also in Washington state. I also remember a no nonsense role model who gave the best advice regarding the issue a hand-not just lip service-to a hard headed teen. I consider myself a better man having known Les Zirkle and will continue to think of him often.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.