Leon Norville Lakey, 81 years, passed to Heaven on July 22, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.

Leon was born December 17, 1932 in Ava, MO at home to Ira and Zelma (Nall) Lakey.

Leon was a resident of Ava his whole life. He was an Army Veteran and served during the Korean War.

On March 6, 1957 Leon and Colleen Degase were united in marriage at the home of Rev. Lawrence Applegate in Ava, and to this union four children were born.

Leon enjoyed fishing, listening to bluegrass, and reading westerns. He liked to visit his many friends, and had nicknames for them all.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Leo, and four other brothers, Alvin Elliott, Noble Lakey, Norman Lakey, and Perry Lakey.


Leon is survived by his loving wife Colleen of the home, two sons, Mont Lakey of Noble, OK, and Mitch Lakey and Shannon of Ava, MO, and two daughters, April McFarlin and husband Ronald of Ava, and Amy Porter and husband Doy of Ava, two brothers, E.J. Lakey of O'Fallon, MO and Larry Lakey of Ava, twelve grandchildren, Geoff, Aaron and wife Leann, Kelly and wife Aimee, Kassie, Zach, Tayce, Haydon, Lauren and husband John, Cole, Kaden, Jaren, and Jacob, five great-grandchildren, Dalton, Kenzee, Ava, Lucy, and BriLeigh, and many other relatives and friends who will miss him.


Funeral services for Leon will be Friday, July 25, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, MO with burial in the Murray Cemetery with Military Honors provided by Troy Herd American Legion Post #112. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00 p.m. to service time. Officiating will be Pastor Marvin Loftin. Memorials may be made to Neighbor Helping Neighbor.