SFC (Ret) Leon Nelson

Leon Nelson, son of the late Elmo and Cora (Grogan) Nelson, was born November 26, 1925 in Kingstown, OK. The family moved to Rattan, OK where he spent his childhood years. On August 1, 1946 in Phenix City, AL, Leon was united in marriage to Faye Henry and they were blessed with five children: Gene, Jerry, Don, Cheryl, and Yvonna. Leon entered the U.S. Army in 1943 at age 17, taking basic training at Camp Fannin, TX. He then completed jump school and was assigned to the 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division. Leon was a combat veteran serving in World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in World War 2 and Korea. In addition, he earned many other awards including the Combat Infantry Badge, numerous Bronze Star Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, and Expert Rifle Badge. Leon, along with his family, first came to Fort Leonard Wood, MO in 1955 where he helped rebuild the Reception Station. Leon retired from the U. S. Army at Fort Belvoir, VA on July 7, 1972 honorably serving our country for 28 ½ years. Leon returned to the Waynesville area in 1973. He attended trade school for carpentry and worked several different jobs after retiring from the Army, but always maintained he was retired. Leon was a member of the DAV Chapter 49 Crocker, MO and a lifetime member of Laquey VFW 3168. Leon enjoyed hunting, fishing and 4 wheeling with his children and grandchildren. In his later years, Leon enjoyed watching TV (Price is Right), doing crossword puzzles, and backroad rides with Marv which ended at the Shrine Club to visit with friends and fellow veterans. He also enjoyed visits from family and friends, as long as you didn’t over extend your welcome. Leon passed away on November 22, 2019 at Rosewood Manor, Richland, MO having attained the age of 93 years, 11 months and 22 days. Leon will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his children: Gene Nelson (Mary) of Springfield, MO, Jerry Nelson (Barbara) of Waynesville, MO, Cheryl Brougham (Tom) of Kansas City, KS, and Yvonna Bays of Waynesville, MO; 11 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, special friends Marv and Terri Luten, and several other relatives and friends. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Marshal, Warren and John W. Nelson, sister: Estelle, son: Don Nelson, grandson: Eric Bays, and granddaughter: Alis Nelson. Services with military honors were held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2019 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Jeff Brown officiating. Leon’s son, Jerry Nelson, read the obituary and recalled his memories of his dad. The song “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus was played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

SFC (Ret) Leon Nelson

November 26, 1925 - November 22, 2019