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| Leon L. Hargrave |
In 1939, Leon graduated 8th grade from Camp Branch School, then went to work on the family farm with his father. On October 13, 1944, Leon joined the United States Army and went to bootcamp in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, then on to training camp at Camp Fannen, Texas. He served in World War II at Manila, Philippines and Pusan, Korea. He was promoted up the chain of command from Private to Staff Sergeant and received two Bronze Battle Stars, a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and Army of Occupational Medal. On November 2, 1946, Leon was honorably discharged and proud to have served his country.
While on leave, February 15, 1945, he married Esther Louise Braun in Kansas City, Kansas. Together they farmed in Urich, Mo. for 50 years, from 1947 to 1997. Leon and Esther adopted their son, Steven L. Hargrave, who was born April 19, 1958. Steven also helped his dad on the farm.
Leon was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church, transferring his membership from White Oak Methodist Church in Urich, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior as a small boy. Leon was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1894 in Clinton, where he was a loyal member of the funeral Honor Guard, a member of the American Legion Post 371, and a member of the Blue Ribbon Coffee Club.
After the passing of their son Steven on March 29, 1997, Leon and Esther moved to Clinton, Mo. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted, loving husband and caretaker of his wife until her death on November 5, 2012.
Surviving are one grandson, Steven Leon Hargrave, II; one granddaughter, Jennifer Marie Hargrave; their mother, Loretta Meyer; three great-grandchildren, Anthony Duane Leon Hargrave, Patricia Ann Hargrave, and Frankie William Hargrave, all of Clinton, Mo.; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousin, Nora Jean Ingram and husband Herb, Blue Springs, Mo.
In addition to his wife and son, he was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Ellen Barnhart in 2012 and Velva Laverne Morgan in 1972.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the Clinton United Methodist Church, 601 South 4th Street. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, just prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in Englewood Cemetery. Friends may call from Noon to 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Bradley & Hadley Funeral Home, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, and these donations may be left in care of the funeral home.
Leon was very much loved by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
