Lelon W. Steed

Lelon was born on August 20, 1929, in Winston County, Mississippi to Melton Steed and Icie Moorhead Steed.

He started his schooling at the one room schoolhouse in the Lobutcha community. The family moved to Bruce, Mississippi in 1942. The family later moved to Attala County in 1945 where he graduated from Ethel High School with honors in 1948.

After graduation, he entered the United States Air Force serving in England. After serving for 4 years, Lelon received an honorable discharge and returned home in 1952. Lelon married Judy Halford on February 14, 1959. Together, they built a full life of service and enjoyment in the Madison community.

In 1952, Lelon accepted a job for Western Electric in Jackson, Mississippi where he worked for 30 years before retiring to be home with his wife, Judy, during her illness. Judy met an untimely death in April 1987.

Ever the outgoing personality, Lelon met and married Kay Heath in October 1989. Lelon and Kay enjoyed time in Mountain View, Arkansas. He and Kay enjoyed 32 years of marriage until Kay’s death in April 2021.

He was a long-time member of First Baptist Madison. He was active in Sunday school and one long-time member of the Choir. Lelon also served as a Deacon of the church. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Carnot Posey Masonic Lodge # 378 for 70 years. He enjoyed being a member of the little band called, “Buck Dollar and The Change”.

Survivors: two brothers, Ray of Starkville and Ken (Jackie) of Ridgeland; two stepchildren, Heather Deanne Griffin (Scott) of Grenada, Mississippi and George B. “Ghinga’ Heath (Cassie) of Union, Mississippi. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and a host of loyal friends.

Lelon is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Judy Halford, his second wife Kay Heath Steed, infant baby sister Mavis and brother Dorris Steed of Yuma, Arizona in 1998.

The family expresses its sincerest gratitude to Carolyn W. Ray for her many years of friendship, loving care, and devotion to Lelon.

The family also wishes to express appreciation and a special thanks for the kindness and loving care provided by the assisted living staff at the Orchard and the skilled nursing staff at the Arbor in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

A visitation for Lelon will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS 39157, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. A graveside will follow immediately after at Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery, 759 US-51, Madison, MS 39110.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to First Baptist Madison.