Leland Trussell

Leland Curtis Trussell, 94, formerly a resident of Community Springs Health Care Facility of El Dorado Springs, a 142 year old city founded by Nathaniel and Waldo Cruce, and known for its mineral springs, on May 25, 2023 became a resident of the New Jerusalem, an eternal city, founded by Jesus Christ, known for its Springs of Life. Leland was born on April 10, 1929, to Hassell Trussell and Gladys (Purdy) Trussell in Arkansas County, AR. He was the eldest child of four.

Leland attended school in De Witt, AR, and later attended Union Bible Seminary in Westfield, IN, where he met and married Mary Elizabeth Walker. Four children were born to this union.

Leland and Mary served as missionaries for 18 years in the Andean country of Bolivia, South America, where they raised three children and are still remembered for a fruitful and lasting ministry. Their ministry of nearly 55 years also led them to pastor churches in DeWitt, AR; Herriman Chapel; Mt. Zion; and to El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) where they were part of the pastoral staff for 10 years. Leland could strike up a conversation with any stranger, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, and was known for his kindness, positive attitude, humor and above all, his love for God and the Bible – he is remembered by many as being a man of prayer. His one-liners, wit, joy and gentleness characterized his daily interactions with people. His life and teaching impacted many people in the mountains of Bolivia as well as in the foothills of the Ozarks.

He enjoyed gardening and always had a good crop of sweet corn, green beans, okra and tomatoes that he shared with family and friends. He was known for his homemade ice cream and always had some on hand to share with anyone who visited.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Stephen Curtis; wife, Mary of 57 years; and three siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Lois Confer, and husband, Paul, of Bellefonte, PA; son, Joseph and wife, Faith, of El Dorado Springs; and son, Wesley and wife, Lisa, of Broken Arrow, OK ;six grandchildren — Dwain Confer, Jeannette Confer, Erica (Trussell) Wait, Becca Trussell, Benjamin Trussell, Simon Trussell; and five great-grandchildren – Harper Confer, Flannery Confer, Jase Tyler, Claire Wait and Abigail Wait.

His home-going took place during the reading of Rev. 22. It was as if he heard the description of heaven and said, I’m ready – take me home. And God did!

Public visitation will be May 30, 2023, 5-6 p.m. at the El Dorado Springs (Church of God Holiness), 1607 S. Park St, El Dorado Springs, immediately followed by a memorial service at 6 p.m. Interment will be at El Dorado Springs City Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Church of God (Holiness) World Missions Department, PO Box 4711, Overland Park, KS 66204.

We would like to thank the staff at Community Springs for their devoted care of Leland during the past six years.