1SGT (Ret) Leon Saxton Jr.

Leon Saxton, Jr., son of the late Leon Saxton, Sr. and Lillie Jean (Maddox) Saxton, was born April 10, 1947 in Kansas City, Kansas. As a young boy, Leon grew up in the Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Paseo High School in 1965. After graduating from high school, Leon furthered his education by attending Central Missouri State. While there, he met the love of his life, Edijon Batchler. They were united in marriage on January 6, 1968 in Kansas City and they were blessed with son Leon “Boo” the III in 1968 and Ukiko “Uki” Yvette in 1973. In 1973, Leon entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his retirement in 2003. During his time in the military, Leon served as a recruiter in Houston, Texas for 20 years and attained the rank of First Sergeant. For his faithful service, he earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (8th Award) Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good conduct Medal (7th Award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National defense Service Medal (3rd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon with Numeral 3, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the US Army Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Achievement Stars. Leon, Edi and the family decided to move back to Missouri in the late 1990’s to be closer to family and also to help start the family business, Sweetwater BBQ. Leon loved his family tremendously and would always do whatever he could to help. In his spare time, Leon enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting or more often than not, you could find him playing golf. He loved being outdoors. Leon passed away Saturday, August 4, 2018 having attained the age of 71 years, 3 months and 24 days. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Leon leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter: Ukiko Williams (Brian) of Newburg, MO; three grandchildren: Mallory D’Ann Brinson (Axel) of Houston, TX and Ukara and Breanna Saxton, both of Newburg, MO; five siblings: Helen Louise Brown (Loren) of Kansas City, KS, Larry B. Saxton (Tanya) of Washington, DC, Ida Lanier Saxton of Kansas City, MO, Michael Jeffrey Saxton of Kansas City, MO and Mallory Jean Saxton of Houston, TX; sisters-in-law: Georgie Batchler Trotter (Lewis); Janet J. Batchler Potts (Arlan); brothers-in-law: David Batchler (Patricia) and John Batchler (Jennifer); several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Edijon Saxton; his son: Leon Saxton III “Boo”; parents-in-law: Etsuko McCord and George Batchler; and brother-in-law: James Batchler. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 13, 2018 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with John Mark Roberts and Arlan Potts officiating. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Leon Saxton and may be left at the funeral home.

1SGT (Ret) Leon Saxton Jr.

April 10, 1947 - August 4, 2018