Leslie R. Saunders (Les), 79, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Westridge Nursing & Rehabilitatio in Raytown, Missouri. He was born to the union of the late Reverend Verlee & Rose Saunders in Kansas City, Missouri on December 7, 1937. Les was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bernard Saunders and Allen Watts; son Robert Gill; son-in-law Linell King and granddaughter Jennifer McCoy. Les received his formal education in the Kansas City Missouri School District. During High School he met Cecile McCoy and to their union a son was born, Victor McCoy. Les graduated Lincoln High School and was a member of the class of 1955. Les served in the United States Air Force from 1955-1959. After returning to Kansas City he worked as the first black draftsman for a private company. Les met and married Marva Lolles in 1960 and to this union three daughters were born: Lisa, Desiree, and Lezley. After this marriage dissolved in 1968, Les met and married Bonnie Smith-Gill in 1971 with three children: Charnita, Roberta, and Robert, then to this union one son was born, Leslie II. This marriage dissolved in 1986. Les spent many years in sales. He definitely had the 'Gift of Gab'. His first taste of success in sales was selling designer shirts from the trunk of his car. Les realized that the sky was the limit in sales and started selling office equipment for Lanier Business Products. He later moved on to selling cars for a few different dealerships in the Kansas City area. He was known as 'The Hardest Working Man In The Car Business'. Les was a 'Trailblazer' in his own right by being the first black Salesman for several companies that he had worked for and he was very proud of it. Les self-published two books, 'When We Were The Toast of Black Kansas City' and 'How To Invite A Lady For Dinner and Make Her Want To Stay For Breakfast'. Les accepted Christ and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church and he lived a life full of adventure, love for family and church. Les will be missed by those who love and treasured his memories: his children Victor L. McCoy (Pamela) of Little Rock, AR, Lisa Kelley (Llewellyn) of Kansas City, MO, Desiree Saunders of Kansas City, MO, Charnita Gill and Roberta Gill-Anderson of Greenwood, MO, Lezley King of Kansas City, MO, Leslie II (Breanna) of Lee's Summit, MO and Tyree Williams of Dallas, TX; twenty-three grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren; two special friends, Rejoice Williams and Mary Jackson and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, church family and friends. Funeral services will be Friday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.