Born January 16, 1924 in Empire, Alabama to Harrison George and Nitra (Brasfield) Filyaw, he married Earline Levan on December 14, 1946 in Jasper, Alabama. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Janet (Rick) Thompson and JoAnn (Jerry) Cook, both of Pekin; six grandchildren, Jeff (Jen) Filyaw of O’Fallon, Tom (Bobbi Jo) Filyaw of Bartonville, Sarah Hill, Christine Foil, both of Pekin, Doug (Megan) Cook of Anderson, South Carolina and Brian (Ashley) Cook of Savannah, Georgia and thirteen great-grandchildren. He also leaves his daughter-in-law, Paulinda Filyaw of Lake Camelot.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Alan Leon Filyaw on March 3, 2015 and one grandson, Matthew Cook.
Leon was a United States Army veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater of Operations and proudly received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four bronze stars.
After his military service, Leon worked in the coal mines in Alabama. He then worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 30 years, retiring on August 29, 1980 as a line inspector in Building LL in East Peoria.
Leon was a fan of NASCAR, the Boston Red Sox and Alabama Football. He also found joy in gardening.
He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he formerly served with the Grace Café ministry and attended Saturday evening worship services.
His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2022 at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor Eric N. Swanson will officiate and military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Debby and the staff of Amy’s Country Manor for their loving care and support offered to Leon. Also, a special thanks to the nurses and staff of Transitions Hospice for their added care.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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