Leon is survived by his wife Dana, his son Jeffrey of Salem, his daughters Karen Anderson of Vashon, Washington and Lynn Brown of Turner, his sisters Doreen Killinger and Arlene Winfrey of Portland and Donna Franklin of Federal Way, Washington, five grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vera, and his brothers Wendell and Marvin.
Leon was born on August 31, 1933 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. His family moved to Macleay, Oregon in 1942, where he attended grade school. Later his family moved to Salem, where Leon attended Parrish Jr. High School and Salem High School, from which he graduated in 1951. He married Dana Lindstrand and remained her devoted husband for over 67 years. Shortly after graduating, Leon began working for Valley Motor Company in Salem (later Skyline Ford) and remained with the firm for over 46 years.
A memorial service is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Bethel Baptist Church, 3215 Fisher Rd. NE, Salem, Oregon, with a reception to follow. The Rev. Brandon Hardy will officiate. Contributions may be sent to the Union Gospel Mission in memory of Leon.