Leon and his twin brother, Leo, were born January 8, 1933 to Eli Dexter and Eva Evaline Simons in Gary, Oklahoma. The family later moved into the Texas region working cotton fields across many rural towns. The Simons, with their 12 children, eventually settled in Peacock, Texas, where Leon met his beautiful young bride, Leona Roberts. They married November 30, 1955.
Leon was a hard worker, having a hand as a cotton picker, cedar chopper, truck driver, finally retiring from Travis County as lead mechanic. His family recalls Leon as a kind and caring friend to all with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He had a child-like spirit and was often found with his grand-kids and great grand-kids building tree houses, playing yard games, or pulling pranks. The family holds on to many humorous stories and fond memories.
Leon and Leona filled their 67 year marriage with 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Leon is preceded in death by his son, Hank Lee Simons, daughter Reba Burnett Roese, grand-daughter Jennifer Marie Simons, great grandson Wesley Everett Windham, eight siblings( JD, WB, Julie, Leo, Elsie, Betty Jo, William and Larry; his parents Eli and Eva.
He is survived by his loving wife Leona, his sisters Joann, Bobbie and Dora; his daughters Joyce Windham and husband Bennie; Judy Jarrell and her husband Robert; Dorine Ferrill and her husband Keith; daughter-in-law Linda Ranney; son-in-law David Roese, and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he lovingly referred to as “His Fleas”.
A visitation for Leon will be held Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Riley Funeral Home, 402 W Main, Hamilton, Texas 76531. A funeral service will occur Monday, January 23, 2023 at 2:00 PM, 402 W Main, Hamilton, Texas. An interment will occur Monday, January 23, 2023 at Cranfills Gap Cemetery, Highway 22, Cranfills Gap, TX.
