Louis T. Leon

Decorated war veteran raised tropical fish. Louis T. Leon, 87, of Canonsburg, died at 6:17 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2007, in Canonsburg General Hospital, following a four-month illness. He was born June 23, 1920, in Canonsburg, a son of John Louis and Stanisla Klawuska Leon. Mr. Leon was a maintenance mechanic for RCA and later Tac-Tec, from where he retired. He was Catholic and attended Canonsburg schools. Mr. Leon was a member of Loyal Order of Moose 22 of Washington, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 553 of Strabane, Taylorstown American Legion Post 907, a life member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 687, Jessop Employees Club and French Club of Canonsburg. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in Company E, 342nd Infantry, 86th Division in Central Europe. He received the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with a bronze star, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He also served during the Korean conflict with the 31st Infantry Regiment Heavy Mortar Company and received the Combat Infantry Badge and Korean Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars. He enjoyed raising tropical fish and watching tennis. On May 15, 1954, he married Rachel Emma Stoner, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Luann Leon Uphold of Farmington; a brother, Joel A. Leonski of Albuquerque, N.M.; two grandchildren, Harmony Swaney and Echo Kirkland; and five great-grandchildren, Brandin, McKayla and Braxton Swaney, and Bethany and Noah Kirkland. Deceased are a son, John L. Leon, who died June 11, 2006; a stepson Gary Bunner; and a grandson, James Uphold III. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in William G. Neal Funeral Home Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Military rights will be conducted graveside by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175.