David Leon, 98, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport with his family by his side.
David Leon was born September 16, 1922 to Ysmael and Juanita Leon in Alliance, Nebraska. He attended the public school system with his six brothers and one sister. Growing up during the depression helping his family instilled in David his admiral work ethic. As a young boy he worked a farm in the Bridgeport area for the Walker family. As he grew into his teens, he and his brothers worked the beet fields around the Minatare, Melbeta and Bridgeport area. David said one year they worked enough fields to purchase the house they lived in at 116 Platte in Alliance. At the start of WWII, the Leon brothers; Lewis, Salvador, Ysmael, David, Leonard, Henry, & John enlisted for service. David was one of thirteen survivors of a company of over 500 men. Upon return from the military, David married Josephine Sanchez on August 21, 1946 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance.
David then began working for Andy Irwin. Later, David became a partner in Alliance Floral. When the big retail companies began to sell floral products, David felt it was time to get out of the business. He sold it and went to work at the railroad. He retired from the railroad in the 1980’s; a week after retirement he went to work at the Golf Course. He didn’t work there long because he would have to work on Sundays. Shortly after, David joined Monte Morrison as a maintenance man for the Alliance Public Schools. They enjoyed many hours of work together until David retired yet again. David then became a substitute janitor at the grade schools, which he did into his late 80’s.
David served on the Mexican-American Commission & the United Farmworkers of Nebraska for over 20 years. He assisted the Alliance Housing Authority for 10 years. David was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and Eagles Club.
David is survived by his loving wife, Josephine, his two sons John, Alliance and David (Blanca,) Jacksonville, FL, his grandchildren, Reyna (Justin) Ansley of Hemingford, Anna (Marshall) Eves of Watertown, NY, Cristina Leon of Jacksonville, FL, 5 great-grandchildren Taeller, John and Kymberlee Ansley and Michael and Abigail Eves. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Ysmael and Juanita Leon; six brothers, Lewis, Ysmael, Henry, Salvador, Leonard and John and one sister Henrietta Leon.
Funeral services will be Friday, April 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Gerald Harr and Father Tim Stoner officiating. Rosary recitation will precede the Mass at 9:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in the Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, April 29 at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.
A memorial has been established and may be sent in care of Bank of the West, 224 Box Butte Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.