Leonard E. 'Len' Railsback, 91, of Hutchinson, died Thursday, August 2, 2018, at his home. He was born April 16, 1927, in Lewis, Iowa, to Earnest Arthur and Mabel Marie (Bickett) Railsback.

Leonard graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1944, went to work for the Hutchinson News and then entered the United States Army, where he served in the European Theater from June of 1945 to November of 1946. During the Army, Len worked as the district manager for the Stars and Stripes Newspaper. Upon his return he went back to the Hutch News where he retired as printer. In addition, Len owned Clown Town/Kiddieland until it's closing, and was a nationally certified piano tuner. Len rebuilt and restored pianos and organs until he was 75. He volunteered as a train driver for the Hutchinson Zoo, Kansas State Fair, and Underground Vaults and Storage. While working for the Hutchinson News, he volunteered for the 'Big Brother' program and was a VA van driver for veterans going to Wichita .
Len was a member of numerous organizations, including Automatic Musical Instruments Collector's Association (AMICA) at both the local Heart of America and national level, Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA), International Typographical Union (25 plus years). He proudly donated over 18 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and was an advocate for organ donations. Leonard was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Hutchinson.

On April 29, 1966, he married Billie Ardene Grant at Trinity United Methodist Church. They shared 52 years of marriage.

Len is survived by: wife, Billie of Hutchinson; son, Tony Railsback (Tammy) of Sterling; daughter, Stephanie Sigler (Bert) of Hutchinson; brother, Larry Railsback of Leavenworth; granddaughter, (who was like a daughter), Gia Unruh (Mike) of Galva; niece, (who was like a sister), Wanda Seaman; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild, with one on the way and his beloved cat Pookie.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; son, Chris Wiens; sisters, Margie and Helen; and brothers, Richard and Ted.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 17th and Main, with the Reverend Dr. Kim Biery officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.

Friends may sign the book from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Len's trailer organ will play in the church's parking lot during the visitation.
Memorials may be made to the Reno County Museum, Hutchinson Animal Shelter, or Hutchinson Zoo, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.