Leon L. Stockwell

"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. If you knew him and didn't have a nickname, be wary, he only handed out ones to those he liked most and even if you did, don't feel too honored, because he would aggravate you to no end. His joy was to find the most vulnerable thing about you and use it to your disadvantage. His favorite quote was "Once I thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken." Born March 10, 1923, to Leon L. Sr. and Hattie McAdams Stockwell, he went to join his beloved wife, LaVerne Davis Stockwell, only 2 days before his 88th birthday, March 8, 2011. He was a veteran of World War II, having served as a Merchant Marine. He was a retired operator for Ethel Corp. and U.S. Steel. Leon was a member of Central Lodge 442 since 1956. He served as worshipful master in 1965 and as district deputy grand master of the 13th Masonic District in 1973, serving for one year. This includes the area from Gonzales to Clinton, across the Mississippi River to New Roads, then down to Plaquemine. He also served the Grand Lodge as the grand lecturer of the 13th Masonic District for 21 years, teaching the secret work as well as the floor work. He was a certificate holder for more than 25 years and had a Gold Certificate for his years as a Certificate Mason. He was well known and respected for his Masonic knowledge and provided many with his wisdom. Survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Leon L. "Lonnie" III and Maureen Stockwell, and James "Dun" and Sandra Stockwell; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nita Dean and Dennis Dykes and Jeanie and Mike Valentine; nine grandchildren, Wade Dykes Jr., DeAnne Puente, Rick Stockwell, Stephanie Hunter, Natalie Stockwell, Angie Rotner, Leon L. "Lee" Stockwell IV, Nick Valentine and Mandy Louviere; 18 great-grandchildren, including Leon L. "Leve" Stockwell V; and two sisters, Betty Dean Robins and Mena Sue and husband Coy Scribner. Preceding him to heaven was his beloved wife, LaVerne Davis Stockwell; mother and father, Hattie McAdams and Leon L. Stockwell Sr.; brother, Jack Stockwell; granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Valentine; and dear companion, Grace Carpenter. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Wade Dykes Jr., Rick Stockwell, Nicholas Valentine and Leon "Lee" Stockwell IV; and nephews, Alvie Stockwell and Louis Lanoue. Honorary pallbearer is Stuart Vickers. Much gratefulness and love goes out to all the staff at Hospice of Baton Rouge and also to the residents, nurses and staff of Landmark of Baton Rouge, and Dr. Patrick Gahan and the staff at Lake Senior Care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charity, Central Lodge 442 Dyslexia Program, 10335 Show Creek Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70818, attn: David James, secretary. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, March 9, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Masonic service at 7 p.m. Visitation at Zoar Baptist Church on Thursday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m., conducted by Dr. Kevin Hand. Burial in the church cemetery.