Dr. Leon Marks

Leon Jacob Marks passed away peacefully Thursday May 13, 2021. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Beatrice Brint Marks, his parents Morris and Blume Marks, and brothers Nathan and Reuben Marks. He is survived by his sons, Jay and Michael Marks, their wives, Becky and Laura. His grandchildren are Nick Limbird (Tara), Anna Olive (Jeff), Brint Marks (Carrie), Jeffrey Marks and Joshua and Nathan Marks. He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren, Chase, Tripp, Ellie, Leon, and Teddy.

He was born in Lynchburg,Virginia in 1921, where he graduated public high school. He attended Lynchburg College on a baseball scholarship before going to work with his brother in Washington, DC. There, he met his future bride, Bea.

He joined the Army Air Corp at the outbreak of Word War II, graduated officer candidate school, and was an ordinance officer on B-17’s and B-29’s. He was always so very proud of his active service and then remained in the Air Force Reserve for a total of 30 years service, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring, he was a member of the Jewish War Veterans.

After the war, he attended Pennsylvania College of Optometry on the GI Bill. Soon thereafter, he started a solo practice in the small town of Orange, Virginia. He was the only eye doctor in the county and loved his relationships with all of his patients. He was active in the Rotary Club and the Jaycees and became an important and vital member of the Orange Community. LIfe long friendships were made. When he retired in 1991, Bea and Leon left Orange for Little Rock, to be near their grandchildren.

He was always very active in the Jewish community, making sure, along with Bea, that their 2 sons had a Jewish upbringing and values. The family belonged to Temple Beth Shalom in Fredricksburg, Virginia. Leon and Bea became active members of Congregation B’nai Israel, after moving to Arkansas.

One of the joys of Leon’s life was being a volunteer at the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. He loved greeting all of the visitors and delighted in giving them a non-scripted introduction to the library. Only at age 98, did he reluctantly give up this pleasure.

Leon loved a good joke, a good steak, and he never turned down a dessert. But most of all, he loved people and they loved him back. He was kind, always generous with his time and support. He was a loving husband and father, always present to support his children, and he was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews, as well as a doting grandfather.

He truly had a life to celebrate.

Visitation Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth 5800 W 12th Street Little Rock 4-6 PM Saturday, May 15.

Service will be at 2 PM May 16 at Congregation B’nai Israel with Rabbi Barry Block officiating, followed by graveside service at Jewish Oakland Cemetery.

Seating is limited and reservations are required for attendance at the Temple service.

In order to make a reservation, please visit www.bnai-israel.us. Click on 'The Covenant of Attendance' form at top of our home page. Once completed, click submit. This secures your reservation.

Masks are required.

Memorials contributions in Leon’s honor may be made to Temple B’nai Israel, 3700 N Rodney Parham Little Rock, Arkansas 72212 or to Lynchburg University, Lynchburg Virginia.

Please share your messages of love, comfort and support and memories of Leon with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.