Person Page - 1278

     His Social Security Number was 719-07-8887.⁴ John Cephas Austin was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on July 6, 1892 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,1,4 He married Carlie Virginia Conner, daughter of Edward Joseph "Ned" Conner and Lucy Ellen McGhee, on October 5, 1910 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,6 John Cephas Austin died on December 29, 1968 at age 76.¹

     Berkley Abraham Austin was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,8 His Social Security Number was 225-16-3962.⁹ He was born on April 10, 1914 at Virginia.^5,9,8 He married Ruth Emma Beckner on August 8, 1936 at Starkey, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,4 Berkley Abraham Austin died on March 3, 1997 at Virginia at age 82.^9,1,8 He AUSTIN, Berkley A., 82, of Boones Mill, passed away Monday, March 3, 1997. Mr. Austin was retired from Red Line Trucking Company. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Beckner Austin; sons and wives, Thomas and Shirley Austin, Florida, Richard and Dianne Austin, Howard and Kathy Austin, Boones Mill, John Austin, Elliston and his fiancee, Brenda Burris; four sisters, Martha Roope and Joyce Hale, Rocky Mount, Virginia Roope, Richmond, Oakey Johnson, Evington; also surviving are 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. Graveside services will be conducted 12 noon Thursday, March 6, 1997 at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boones Mill, with the Rev. Gary Kingery officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are being handled by Lotz Funeral Home, Roanoke BILLINGS, Walter G., 70, of Independence, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements by Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home. on March 5, 1997.¹

     DeAuvrey Jones "Joe" Austin was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.² He was born on April 3, 1916 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^1,2 He married Dorothy Pearl Maxey on December 21, 1946 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,7 DeAuvrey Jones "Joe" Austin died on September 5, 1973 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 57.²

     His Social Security Number was 229-18-6766.⁹ Everette Brammer Austin was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^10,1 He was born on October 10, 1918 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^9,6,1,2,11,3 He married Elsie Lee Guilliams, daughter of Joseph Henry "Joe" Guilliams and Lucy Ann Yopp, on May 9, 1941 at Callaway, Franklin Co., Virginia.^12,10,6,1 Everette Brammer Austin died on August 1, 1983 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 64.^9,1,11

     Oakey Ann Austin was buried at Mount Olivet Memorial Gardens (formerly Holy Land Cemetery), 1060 Jericho Road, Bedford Co., Virginia.² She was born on October 12, 1920 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^6,2 As of December 24, 1937,her married name was Johnson.¹ She married Elmer Cecil Johnson on December 24, 1937 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 Oakey Ann Austin died on May 31, 2009 at Bedford, Bedford Co., Virginia, at age 88.^7,6,2 She Oakey Ann Austin Johnson, 88, of Bedford, Va., died Sunday, May 31, 2009, at Bedford Memorial Hospital. Born on October 12, 1920, in Roanoke Co., Va., a daughter of the late Cephas Austin and Charlie Conner Austin. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Elmer Cecil Johnson Sr; a son, Doug Johnson; three brothers, Burke, Doc and Joe Austin; a sister, Joyce Hale; and a grandson, Ken Johnson. Oakey is survived by four sons, Paul Johnson and his wife, Marie, Phillip Johnson and his wife, Edna, Ron Johnson and his wife, Linda and Elmer Cecil Johnson Jr; two sisters, Virginia Roope and Martha Roope; a sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson; 14 grandchildren, Paul Jr., Kenny, Michael, Phil Jr., Wayde, Terry, Tracey, Tori, Cecil Jr., Tiffany, Kandy, Travis, Annie Pugh, Tami Carr and Melinda McCauley; 20 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Scott Dean officiating. Internment to follow in Mt. Olivet Memorial Gardens (Holy Land Cemetery). The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. on June 1, 2009.²

     Her Social Security Number was 224-24-1287.⁴ Ruth Emma Beckner was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.² She was born on May 20, 1916 at Botetourt Co., Virginia.^4,3 As of August 8, 1936,her married name was Austin.^1,3 She married Berkley Abraham Austin, son of John Cephas Austin and Carlie Virginia Conner, on August 8, 1936 at Starkey, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3 Ruth Emma Beckner died on October 7, 2001 at Virginia at age 85.^4,2 She AUSTIN, Ruth Beckner, 85, of Roanoke County, wife of the late Berkley A. Austin was called by the Lord October 7, 2001. Left behind to miss her special presence are four sons and their families, Thomas and Shirley Austin of Florida, Richard and Dianne Austin, Boones Mill, John and Brenda Austin, Elliston, Howard and Cathy Austin, Boones Mill. She left nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, Franklin County with the Rev. James Jordan officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, October 8, 20001. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel. on October 8, 2001.²

     Brenda Sue Edwards was buried at Little Hope Church Cemetery, Cove Hollow Road, near Elliston, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ She was born on March 3, 1950 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2 As of circa 1999,her married name was Austin.¹ She married John Lee Austin, son of Berkley Abraham Austin and Ruth Emma Beckner, circa 1999.¹ Brenda Sue Edwards died on January 24, 2020 at Virginia at age 69.¹ She March 3, 1950 - January 24, 2020. Brenda Sue Austin, 69, of Elliston, gained her wings on Friday, January 24, 2020. Brenda is remembered for being a woman with a heart of gold. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother. Her love for people was unconditional, and without judgment. Her kindness knew no limits and she would do anything she could for anyone, even if it meant that she went without. Family was very important to Brenda, her most cherished times with her family during Christmas. She loved to decorate the house and be able to spend those precious moments with the ones she loved. Though her time with family was cherished, her heart was her husband John. Twenty-one years of love together, and spending they're free time antiquing, gardening, bird watching, cooking, and doing crafts together. Brenda was beyond proud of her granddaughter for her upcoming high school graduation and plans for college. She beamed with excitement at the mention of it. Her legacy and love will be carried on by the ones she has left behind, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, James Riley Edwards. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 21 years, John Lee Austin; mother, Texanna Herndon; son, Charles Martin Burris Jr; stepdaughters, Tracy Austin and husband, Billy, and Robin Goff and husband, Rodney; brother, Robert Edwards and wife, Betty; sisters, Peggy Hickson and husband, Bobby, and Betty Dixon and husband, Richard; granddaughter, Autumn Goff; and grandson, T.J Wilkerson. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, from 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel. Interment will be held at Little Hope Cemetery immediately following the service. on January 27, 2020.¹

     Martha Jane Austin was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.⁵ Her married name was Roope.⁵ She married Wallace Hapert Alfred Roope.⁵ Martha Jane Austin was born on January 16, 1936 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^3,7 As of August 7, 1952,her married name was Harden.³ She married William Calvin Harden on August 7, 1952 at Roanoke, Virginia.³ Martha Jane Austin and William Calvin Harden were divorced on January 25, 1960 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁸ Martha Jane Austin died on December 19, 2015 at Virginia at age 79.^5,7 She Martha Austin Roope, 79, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace A. Roope; daughter, Deborah Harden; parents, John C. and Carlie Austin; three brothers, Berkley, Joseph and Everett Austin; three sisters, Oakey Johnson, Joyce Hale and Virginia Roope; two special great-nieces, Vicki Hale Long and Denise Young George; one great-nephew, Raymon Lee Hall. She retired from the Franklin County Schools as a Cafeteria Manager after 20 years of service and worked for Walmart for 2 years and Richfield Retirement Center for 10 years, after retirement. She is survived by a daughter, Ronda Osborne of Bel Air, Md; a son, Michael Roope (Cathy) of Rocky Mount; seven grandchildren, Lisa Schwartz (Eric), Jeffrey Osborne (Emily), Hollie and Hannah Roope, Emily Roope, Amanda Roope, Michael Roope, Jr; two step-grandchildren, Sam and Alexis Diaz; special niece, Lelia Jewell (Wilbur); special nephews, John Hale (Patricia) and Mike Hale. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at Flora Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Rick Poland officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. on December 22, 2015.⁵

     Wallace Hapert Alfred Roope was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.³ He married Martha Jane Austin, daughter of John Cephas Austin and Carlie Virginia Conner.¹ Wallace Hapert Alfred Roope was born on December 27, 1924 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5 He died on February 13, 2009 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 84.^2,3,5 He Wallace Alfred Roope, 84, of Rocky Mount, Va., passed away on Friday eve, February 13, 2009. He retired from Anchor Motor Freight with over 20 years service. Surviving are his wife, Martha Roope; his three daughters, Ronda Osborne, of BelAir, Md., Linda Brown, of Westfield N.J., Donna Roope, of California; one son, Michael Roope, of Rocky Mount. Grandchildren, Lisa (Eric) Schwartz, Jeffrey Osborne, Hannah Roope, Hollie Roope, Charles Brown, Matthew Brown, Heather Brown, Ricky Greely, Renee Greely; two sisters, Gertrude Thomas, Margaret Garlick. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 2 p.m. Monday. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street Rocky Mount. on February 15, 2009.³

     Joyce Lee Austin was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.² She was born on April 14, 1931 at Virginia.² As of March 19, 1952,her married name was Hale.⁶ She married Raymon Howard Hale Sr. on March 19, 1952 at Norfolk, Virginia.^2,6 Joyce Lee Austin died on March 28, 2009 at Virginia at age 77.² She Joyce Lee Hale, 77, our special angel, mother and best friend, of Rocky Mount, died Saturday March 28, 2009. She was born April 14, 1931, a daughter of the late John Cephas and Carlie Connor Austin. Also preceding her in death are her husband, Raymon Howard Hale Sr., a son, Raymon Howard Hale Jr., a daughter, Vicki Devonne Hale Long, grandson, Raymon Lee Hall, brothers, Berkley A. Austin, Everett (Doc) Austin, Joe Austin, Horace Austin, and a sister, Baby Marie. She retired from Fleetwood Homes of Rocky Mount after 18 years of service. She is survived by her children, Neena Jo Hale Fields, John Cephas Hale and Patricia "Dinky", Michael Steven Hale and Anita, Lelia Hale Jewell and Edward (Wilbur); son-in-law, Aubrey W. Long; 17 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Oakey Marie Johnson, Virginia Elizabeth Roope, Martha Jane Roope; sister-in-law, Louise Burnette; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Flora Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Charles R. Doyle officiating. Interment will follow in Fair View Cemetery, (Roanoke). Her family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount, (540) 483-3835. on March 30, 2009.²

     Raymon Howard Hale Sr. was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 224-16-0270.⁴ He was born on January 3, 1914 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^4,3 He married Joyce Lee Austin, daughter of John Cephas Austin and Carlie Virginia Conner, on March 19, 1952 at Norfolk, Virginia.^1,5 Raymon Howard Hale Sr. died on January 18, 1977 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 63.^4,3

     Claude Brooklyn Roope Jr. was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park (also known as Mountain View Burial Park), 5970 Grassy Hill Road, Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.² He was born on February 9, 1922 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3,2 He married Virginia Elizabeth Austin, daughter of John Cephas Austin and Carlie Virginia Conner, on December 17, 1943 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹ Claude Brooklyn Roope Jr. died on October 16, 2007 at Virginia at age 85.^3,2 He Claude B. Roope, Jr., 85, of Boones Mill, Va. passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. Mr. Roope was born February 9, 1922 to the late Claude B. Roope, Sr. and Reecy Bell Roope. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Grant Roope; sisters, Rebecca Irvin and Virginia Abel. Claude was a U.S. Army veteran having served in World War II in the 495th Armored Field Artillery Battalion. He had served on the Boones Mill Town Council, was a member of the Teamsters and was retired from Anchor Motor Freight. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Virginia E. Roope; daughter, Lelia Roope Young and husband, Robert, of Richmond; two grandchildren, Denise Taylor and Angela French of Richmond; six great-grandchildren, Chris Wray, Mark Black, Jr., Robert Black, Anthony Wray, Todd Wray, and Robert (Pidge) Young, II; great-grandchild, Kayla Black, all of Richmond; one brother, Wallace Roope and wife, Martha (who was like a daughter); two sisters, Margaret Garlick of Roanoke and Gertrude Thomas of Goodview; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Chris Wray, Mark Black, Jr., Robert Black, Anthony Wray, Todd Wray, Robert (Pidge) Young, II and Ralph (Buddy) Anderson. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2007 with the Rev. Leonard Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Memorial Park with military honors. His family will be receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va. on October 17, 2007.²

     Elmer Cecil Johnson was born on June 12, 1921 at Washington Co., Virginia.² He married Oakey Ann Austin, daughter of John Cephas Austin and Carlie Virginia Conner, on December 24, 1937 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,3

     Donald Floyd Shonkwiler died at Evergreen, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He married Melissa Dawn Poff, daughter of Carl Gean Poff and Norma Jean Walters, on September 13, 2003 at Evergreen, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2

     James Aubrey Light was buried at High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^4,5 His Social Security Number was 236-05-0003.⁷ He was born on September 2, 1907 at Scarbro, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,7,5 He married Ashton Eleanor Overholt on June 26, 1928 at Thurmond, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,4 James Aubrey Light died on June 25, 1987 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 79.^7,4,5 He James Aubrey Light, 79, of Oak Hill, died June 25, 1987, in VA Medical Center, Beckley, after a long illness. He was a retired car salesman for Rockmont Motor Co. of Rockville, Md. He was a veteran of World War II and a former member of First Presbyterian Church, Oak Hill. He was a Mason. Surviving: wife, Ashton Overholt Light; sons, James Aubrey Jr. of Charlotte, N.C., George Allen of Washington; sisters, Grace Byset and Pearl Holcomb, both of Glen Jean; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, with the Rev. Robert Tolar officiating. Burial will be in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. on June 28, 1987.⁴

     James Daniel Light was buried at New Hope Church Cemetery, Monroe Co., West Virginia.⁵ His Social Security Number was 719-03-2645.⁸ He was born on May 14, 1901 at Summers Co., West Virginia.^8,3 He married Bess Virginia "Bessie" Iddings, daughter of Giles Washington Iddings and Ollie Aridell Hoback, on September 6, 1922.^3,4 James Daniel Light died in October, 1985 at age 84.⁸

     Richard Louis "Dick" Olzer Sr. Richard Louis Olzer, Sr. 95 of Longs, South Carolina died Tuesday April 2, 2013 at his home following a long illness. Born September 28, 1917 at Scarbro, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Julius C. and Sallie Ellen Light Olzer. Mr. Olzer was retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was also a former coal miner. He was a graduate of Oak Hill High School and attended Marshall University in Huntington. He was of the Methodist faith and was an avid supporter of Marshall University and M.U. sports. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Myers Olzer. Survivors include a son, Richard L. Olzer, Jr. of Longs, SC and a daughter, Sallie Childers and husband Lynn of Richmond, VA. A twin sister, Josephine Allen of Beckley, WV. Three grandchildren, Amanda Olzer, Heather Racer and Veronica Timbers. Four great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 6, 2013 at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel in Hinton with Rev. Joanne Hartman officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Church Cemetery at Marie, WV.⁴ He was buried at New Hope Church Cemetery, Monroe Co., West Virginia.⁴ He was born on September 28, 1917 at Scarbro, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,4 He married Mary Ellen Myers on December 29, 1936 at Ansted, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,7,4 Richard Louis "Dick" Olzer Sr. died on April 2, 2013 at Longs, Horry Co., South Carolina, at age 95.⁴

     Betty Josephine Olzer was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5250 Robert Centre Byrd Drive, Prosperity, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.⁴ She was born on September 28, 1917 at Scarbro, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^2,4 As of June 22, 1940,her married name was Allen.² She married Ralph Lawrence Allen on June 22, 1940 at Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia.^2,6,4 Betty Josephine Olzer died on March 20, 2019 at Bradley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia, at age 101.⁴ She Surrounded by family and friends, Josephine Allen, age 101, of Bradley, gently and lovingly left this life to enter the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at her home. Born on September 28, 1917 at Scarbro, she was the daughter of the late Julius Olzer and Sally Light Olzer. Mrs. Allen was a homemaker and a member of Bradley Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning and being on her computer. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Allen; a granddaughter, Novona Parker; twin brother, Dick Olzer; brothers, Oscar, Julius and Ray. Those survivors left to cherish her memory include her children, Ralph Allen Jr. and wife Linda of Belair, MD, Richard Allen of Hinton, Carol Parker and husband Clayton of Bradley, Roger Allen of Bradley, and Betty Tyree of Bradley; 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at Bradley Freewill Baptist Church on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2 PM with Pastor Wayne Peters and Rev. Daniel Legg officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens at Prosperity, WV. Friends may visit with the family from noon until service time on Saturday at the church. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. on March 21, 2019.⁴

     Her married name was Coffey.⁴ Hilda Mae Operchuck was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁴ Her married name was Holyfield.⁷ She married Arva Frank Holyfield.^7,3,4 Hilda Mae Operchuck married Jerry Lee Coffey.⁴ Hilda Mae Operchuck was born on May 6, 1920 at Scarbro, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^1,4 As of December 2, 1935,her married name was Swann.² She married Jesse Lee Swann on December 2, 1935 at Beckley, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.² Hilda Mae Operchuck died on July 12, 1986 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 66.⁴

     Edward Booker Operchuck was buried at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Orange Co., Florida.⁴ He was born on May 6, 1922 at Scarbro, Fayette Co., West Virginia.^3,4,6 He married Ruby Frances Hurley on December 1, 1953 at Robertson Co., Tennessee.⁵ Edward Booker Operchuck died on February 21, 1973 at Osceola Co., Florida, at age 50.^3,4

     His Social Security Number was 236-22-7970.³ Leon Richard Operchuck was born on June 15, 1924 at Tams, Raleigh Co., West Virginia.^3,7,4 He married Eileen Jesse Edwards on August 5, 1944.⁷ Leon Richard Operchuck died on May 18, 2008 at Long Beach, Los Angeles Co., California, at age 83.^3,7 He Leon Operchuck was born June 15, 1924 in Tams, W. Virginia and died May 18, 2008, one month before his 84th birthday. As a young man he invented and created many electronic gadgets which included an actual transmitting radio station where kids in the neighborhood would request their favorite music and listen at home. On January 23, 1943 he joined the army and after training was sent to London, England where he became part of a logistics group that assisted with troop and supply movement. Leon met the love of his life in London, Eileen Jesse Edwards. She was a hostess at the local USO club. After several months of dating they were married on August 5, 1944. They were married almost 64 years. After the war ended Leon returned to the states and Eileen followed shortly thereafter. Leon is survived by his wife, Eileen; three sons, Dan, Terry and Leon (Rick); five grandchildren, Kristina and Sabrina, Nica, Brandon and Laura; six great grandchildren, D'an'Drea, Anthony, Mekala, Kobe, Myranda and Christopher; and one great-great grandchild, Jaelyn. Leon had a limited formal education after high school, but was a very wise and intelligent man. He was a quiet man of action. He could make or fix anything with limited resources, he would say, "necessity is the mother of invention". Leon did not start using a computer until his mid-seventies, but was a master at web surfing and email. He was also a shrewd businessperson when it came to garage selling. He knew how to buy low and resale high. Leon loved to play blackjack and would enter into tournaments whenever possible. A month before his death he was in a tournament with 300 people. After several hours and rounds of play he won the tournament and was the champion. Although he won a trophy and money, he was most proud that he could still out play both young and old. Leon was a wonderful husband and father, he will be deeply missed for his kindness, patience and mentoring. At his request he will be cremated, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. on May 25, 2008.⁷