Larry J. Leon

Larry J. Leon Sr., 77, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, passed away on June 13, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on September 15, 1939 in Bloomfield, IA, to Lawrence and Wealtha (Wellborn) Leon. He married Sally Smith on August 31, 1963 in Clinton, IA.

Surviving are his wife, their children Lauri Davis of Chillicothe, Larry "Joe" (Susie) Leon of Chillicothe, Gary (Tonya) Leon of Edelstein, Mark Leon of Washington, and Sarah (Trent) Kaufmann of East Peoria; and 15 grandchildren Josh (Carla) Burton, Jeremy (Amy) Burton, Dustin (Karen) Leon, Heather Davis, Shelby Davis, Zak Davis, Michael Leon, Dakota Edwards, Jasmine Turner, Jacob Leon, Kaylin Leon, Andrea Edwards, Abby Leon, Andrew Kaufmann, and Matthew Kaufmann; and 3 great grandchildren Alyssa, Emily and Hailey. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, step mother Miriam (Priest) Leon, one infant brother Jerry Lee and one brother Gene, one niece Tami and son-in-law Nick Davis.

Larry attended school in Bloomfield, IA until moving to Newton, IA and graduated from Newton High School in 1957. He served eight years in the U.S. Army, Iowa Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve. He was an offset pressman in Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin before being employed at Fleming and Potter in Peoria, IL until his retirement in 1991. Larry was a member of GCIU International Union Local 458 along with a member of Davisracing race team. Larry was the assistant Scout Master of Troop 206. He helped many boys attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He loved fishing, camping and enjoyed repairing and restoring VW's.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Pastor Barry Long will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to his service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to Northern Tazewell Fire Department. To share special memories and condolences, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com