Robert Leamon

Robert E. Leamon, age 91 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully at 3:15 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017 with his family gathered at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on August 31, 1925 in Cromwell, Indiana, and attended the North Webster schools. He drafted into service in the United States Navy, 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 the First Church of Christ – Christian, and then became a member of the 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 sports events, and performing arts.

On December 22, 1946 in Niles he married the former Irene L. Hipshier with whom he celebrated the remarkable Seventieth Anniversary of their wedding. They were sadly preceded in death by twin infant daughters in 1959, and by Bob’s mother, Cecil Vanette, and seven siblings.

Surviving family includes 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, 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; and 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.

The Celebration of Life for Bob Leamon will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Fairland Christian Church with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Navy Honor Guard, and will continue as a potluck supper which Bob and Irene always enjoyed.

Contributions in memory of Bob Leamon may be made to the Fairland Christian Church, 1811 River Bluff Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles.