Philip “Phil” Andrew Leslie, 73, of Columbia died Aug. 18, 2024.
Believing in service to country, he actively participated in Air Force ROTC while pursuing bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science at the University of Missouri-Columbia.
After serving in the Air Force, Leslie’s career included writing and editing mainly for the University of Missouri, but also A.B. Chance, the Missouri Press Association and the University of South Florida.
He was a zealous philatelist and voracious reader, always subscribed to two or more newspapers and maintained an extensive home library.
In addition to his wife, CeCe, he is survived by daughters Maureen and Erin, five grandchildren and many more friends throughout the state.