Leon A. Catron, 81, of Iola, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, at Allen County Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Leon was born April 20, 1935, in Reno, Nev., the son of Andrew and Retta (Haddox) Catron. He grew up in Gas City. Leon served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean Conflict.
On June 6, 1956, Leon married Dorothy J. Smith at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Piqua. They made their home on their farm southwest of Iola for 55 years, moving to town in 2015. Dorothy preceded him in death May 14, 2016. Besides farming all of his life, Leon worked for Pet Milk from 1956 to 1964. He and his son Ed did carpentry work and later operated Catron Drilling.
His memberships include St. John’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Piqua Co-op, American Legion of Chanute, and Korean War Veterans. Leon enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, making rosaries, playing cards and working jigsaw puzzles.
Survivors include four children, Linda Viola (Mike), Ed Catron (Krystal), Suzanne Catron (Bob Scott), and Patricia Keller (Jeff) and 13 grandchildren; Michael Obuchowicz, Christopher (Julie) Catron, Rachel Obuchowicz, Megan Carr (Tim), Kara Viola, Kayla Manion (Mike Platt), Kyle Manion (Carly Mattox), Andrew Viola, Konnor Manion, Kelcey Manion, Devon Catron, Austin Ames, and Haley Ames; 9 great grandchildren; Keenan Obuchowicz, Ali and Grant Catron, Tristen Platt, Cayden Taylor, Ryker Platt, Harper Carr, Trey and Easton Harris. He was preceded in death by his wife, daughter, Diana, infant son Steven, great-grandchild, Denton, his parents, grandparents and a number of siblings.
Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola. The parish rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Monday, followed by the celebration of the mass at 10:30 a.m., both at St. John’s Catholic Church in Iola. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery in Iola.
Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association, Iola Senior Center (card players), and the Chanute American Legion and may be left with the funeral home. To leave a condolence online, go to www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
