Leland was born on June 21, 1959 to Pete and Betty Komes (Griffin) in Sturgis, South Dakota. The family moved to Newell, SD and Leland attended the Newell school K-12 and graduated high school there.

After graduation Leland moved to Sheridan, Wyoming and worked concrete. He then moved back to Sturgis and lived on the “farm” and helped his mom with the cows and haying while working at Pope & Talbot for 30 years.

Leland attended the school of hard knocks and loved nature. He was an avid hunter, preferring deer and elk. His friends and he camped out at “Elk Camp”, sometimes going in on horseback or hiking in with all the supplies on their backs, cooking over an open fire.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Pete Komes and Betty Griffin; and his sister, Penny Komes. Leland is survived by his sisters, Frankie Lewellyn and Donna Gleason; brother, Dale Lange; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends that he considered family.

Leland was a stubborn man with a short, hot temper but we loved him.

Memoiral services will be held Monday, July 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Sturgis. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.