In Memory of

Leon

Stratton

Howard

Obituary for Leon Stratton Howard

Leon Stratton Howard, age 86, of Casey, IL entered his Heavenly home at 6:20 pm on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 23, 1930 in Casey, IL, the son of Donald Claude Howard and Cuma Mildred Stratton Howard. On June 9, 1951 he married Wilma Marie Fain in Casey, IL. They shared 63 years of marriage before Wilma’s death on June 11, 2014.

Survivors include son, Steve Howard and wife Vicky of Casey, IL; daughters, Sue Wernz and husband Jim of West Union, IL and Pam Klingler and husband Mark of Charleston, IL; brother, Larry Howard and wife Gloria of Casey, IL; brother in law, Don Fain and wife Norma of Casey, IL; sister in law, Wanda Winters and husband Howard of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Heather Howard (fiancé, Aaron Jenks), Taylor (Lindsay) Howard, Chasity (Nick) Christopulos, Kim (Frank) Sikorski, Alex (Jacky) Wernz, Zachary Klingler (fiancé Priscilla McKinney) and Joshua Klingler (fiancé Ashley Millage); great grandchildren, Austin, Jayden and Owen Sikorski, Corbin and Connor Christopulos, Wiley and Fiona Wernz. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother in law, Gene Fain and sister in law, Elsie Grissom.

Leon was a 1949 graduate of Casey High School. He drove a coal truck for Littlejohn Grain in Martinsville, IL before he was drafted into the US Army. He served his country in Japan during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Leon worked for Ettlebrick Shoe Company, Forrest Oil Company, Chrysler Trucking and Commercial Lovelace Trucking Company on the Route 40 Peddle Route. After retirement he helped on the Jerry Parcel family farm and also kept a few head of cattle that he raised as pets. Leon was a lifetime member and deacon for many years of the Casey White Oak Church of God, a member of the Marshall American Legion Post 90 and Teamsters Union Local 144 in Terre Haute, IN. Leon was a loving husband, father and grandfather who never met a stranger. He and Wilma loved spending time with their family, church family and many friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at Markwell Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Toner officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Street Cemetery, Casey, IL with graveside military rites by the Marshall American Legion. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. from 12 p.m. prior to the service at Markwell Funeral Home, 200 N. Central Ave., Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Casey White Oak Church of God, 3305 East 1000th Rd, Casey, IL 62420; Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter, 207 S. Prospect Road, Suite 1, Bloomington, IL 61704 or Lincolnland Hospice, 1004 Health Center Dr., Suite 202, Mattoon, IL 61938.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.