Leon Charles

Leon O. Charles, of Lockwood, Missouri, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, in the Good Shepherd Community Care and Rehabilitation Facility at the age of 101.

He was born on January 2, 1924 in Red Oak, Missouri, to Cecil and Ruby (Arthur) Charles. Leon was one of four children. They lived in the Grey’s Point Community while his parents and sibling ran a country store and also farmed. He graduated in 1943 from Lockwood High School in Lockwood, Missouri.

In 1944, Leon was inducted into the United States Army.  He was a U.S. Army Sergeant serving the 96th Division in the South Pacific. While serving, he was stationed in Guam, Saipan, and Okinawa.  Leon was awarded the Purple Heart and a honorable discharge in 1946.

On October 2, 1946 after returning from the service, he married Roberta Irene Gillman. They lived in Lockwood where he farmed and raised cattle. His wife, Roberta, preceded him in death on January 15, 2007.

Also preceding him death were his parents, Cecil and Ruby Charles; one son, Gary Charles; one sister, Nadine Hixon; and two brothers, Gale Charles and Clyde Charles.

Leon leaves behind to cherish his memories, one daughter, Glenda (Mike) Gilmore of Ashland, Missouri; two grandsons: Andrew (Zandre’) Gilmore of Franklin, Tennessee and Timothy (Kristy) Gilmore of Troy, Missouri; two great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.

God alone knows how much he will be missed.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Red Oak Cemetery. This greatest generation has lost another of its own with the passing of a World War II veteran.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Red Oak Cemetery. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com.  Services were under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.