Leon, a lifelong resident of Vernon County, graduated from Sheldon High School Class of 1972. Leon received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Missouri Southern State University in 1991, he then attended the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology where he obtained his Master’s and Doctoral degree in Psychology. Leon worked at Nevada Mental Health and Heartland Behavioral Health Services for a time and for the past 25 years at the business he co-owned and operated, The Wellness Company in Nevada. Leon was a Certified Substance Abuse II Counselor, Missouri Licensed Professional Psychologist, and member of the American Board of Psychiatric Professionals.
An avid lover of Christ, Leon was a dedicated member and past deacon of the First Baptist Church in Nevada. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and longtime BassMaster Fishing Club member. Leon’s greatest joys in life included quail hunting with his friends and dogs, spending time with family, fishing, watching Gabby horseback ride or sing, and of course, Dallas Cowboys Football. Leon spent his entire life helping those in need, even to the very end as he was an organ donor, he shared a deep love for God and wanted everyone to know there was more after life and there was a God who loved them dearly.
In addition to his wife Monty, survivors include one daughter, Gabby Oliver (Dusty), Osawatomie, KS; grand dogs, Motley and Sunny; five brothers, Clayton Hayes, Joplin, Elmer Lee Barker, Joplin, Kendall Gire (Brenda) Lamar, Ernest Gire, Joplin, and Bobby Scholes (Todd Miller), Kansas City, MO; four sisters, Denise Gregory (Wendell), Rachelle Banes, Sheldon, Lenora McKinney, Joplin, Rebecca Scholes, Joplin; and an honorary sister, Regina Watkins, Joplin; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Everett Gire.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Nevada. Interment will follow at Moore Cemetery in Nevada. The family will receive friends from 9-10:00 a.m. prior to the service at First Baptist Church.
Memorials are suggested in his name to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Heart of America Chapter Gabby’s Guardian Angels Team in c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
