Leon Emery

Leon Emery, 71, of Hartford, passed away Monday, February 8, 2010 in his home. He was born January 24, 1939 in Huntington, Arkansas. He was the second of five sons born to Eddie Emery and Elma Elmore Emery.

During his childhood his family traveled with the harvest seasons between Arkansas, Texas and California. What Leon lacked in formal education he more than made up for in common sense. He was able to play several different instruments, teaching himself to play guitar at the age of sixteen. He was a quiet man, but his sense of humor always came through. He loved to walk in the woods with his children and grandchildren, telling humorous stories along the way. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and loved his family very much. He was an avid arrowhead collector, and loved learning about Native American culture. His favorite activity was tending to the farm he shared with his wife of forty-nine years, Kaye. He retired from the Sebastian County Road Department in 1998 after thirty-nine years of service.

Leon is survived by his wife, Kaye of the home; one son, Leonard of Fort Smith; one daughter, Suzi McClain and husband Thomas of Jenny Lind; one “adopted” daughter, Lillie Scantling of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Dustin Emery and wife Sierra of Fort Smith, Ashley and Jesse Emery, both of Fort Smith, Jordan Holmes of Jonesboro, AR, and Kady Holmes of Jenny Lind; three step-grandchildren, Bridget Douglas and Bryan McClain, both of Fort Smith, and Stacey Pickle of Van Buren; one great-grandson, Gage Emery of Fort Smith; two step-great-granddaughters, Kylea Jo Pickle of Van Buren and Kadence Douglas of Fort Smith; three brothers, Robert and wife Esther of Harvey, AR, Eddie Ray and wife Francis and Jimmy and wife Opal, both of Brownfield, Texas, and numerous other friends and loved ones.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 12 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood, with private interment at Mount Olive Cemetery in Midland. Viewing will be 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 11 at the funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Emery, Bryan McClain, Robby James, Rick Patton, Leo Fitzgerald, Roger Emery and Doug Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Sebastian County Road Department crew members.