Aug. 31, 1925 — April 3, 2017
Robert E. Leamon, 91, of Niles, died peacefully at 3:15 a.m. Monday, April 3, 2017, with his family gathered at his home, following a brief illness.
He was born Aug. 31, 1925, in Cromwell, Indiana, and attended North Webster schools.
He was drafted into service in the U.S. Navy, and was stationed on the USS League Island (LST 1097), a tank landing ship. He was honorably discharged as a veteran of World War II.
He came to Niles where he was employed on the former New York Central Railroad for several years. He was then employed at the former Tyler Refrigeration Company for many years, retiring in 1991.
Bob was formerly a member of First Church of Christ — Christian, and then became a member of Fairland Christian Church. He was also formerly a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles, and when his children were younger he volunteered as a committeeman for a local troop of the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed, and was well known for, his large garden, but his greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild. He was a faithful attender of their sporting and performing arts events.
On Dec. 22, 1946, in Niles, he married the former Irene L. Hipshier, with whom he celebrated the remarkable 70th anniversary of their wedding.
They were sadly preceded in death by twin infant daughters in 1959, and by Bob’s mother, Cecil Vanette, and by seven siblings.
Surviving family includes his wife, Irene Leamon, and their children, Robert E. Leamon Jr., Kathy Myers and Martha Ann Virgil, all of Niles; adopted daughter Kathy Opick; a former son-in-law, Dale Myer; grandchildren Dale (Tara) Myer, Kim (Chris) Corzine, Tammie (Shawn) Herrman, Robby Leamon III, Jodie (Casey) Kalinowski and Leah, Virgil and DeLynda Virgil; great-grandchildren Kylee, Jaycee and Aynslee Myer, Corbin Haines, Hallie and Christopher Corzine, Lane and Lexi Herrman, and Obi and Rosie Ahmed; a great-great-granddaughter, Adalynn Haines; Bob’s sister, Retha (Clink) Houck of Alexandra, Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Wayne Root of Fort Wayne, Indiana; a sister-in-law, Eileen Willoky of Butler, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for Bob Leamon will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2017, at Fairland Christian Church, with a veteran’s flag presentation and the playing of taps by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. It will be followed by a potluck supper, which Bob and Irene always enjoyed.
Contributions in memory of Bob Leamon may be made to Fairland Christian Church, 1811 River Bluff St., Niles, MI 49120.
Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles. halbritterfunerals.com