Leon Dawes

Leon Francis Dawes

SNOW HILL — Leon Francis Dawes of Snow Hill passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. He was born on Sept. 23, 1917, in Trout Run, Pa. He was a son of the late James Walter and Florence Kelly Dawes of Garden View, Pa.

On June 11, 1960, he was joined in holy matrimony to the late Laura Ann Swales. They were married for 40 years. To this union one child was born, Lisa Dawes Cropper. He shared a home with her and her two children, his grandchildren, Mallory and Kyle Cropper. He is also survived by two daughters, Ina Rae Kyle and Lynda Phillips of Pennsylvania and a son, Wayne Patrick Dawes of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Olivia Yeagle. He is also survived by three stepchildren whom he loved as his own, Darryl Kehrer (Dawn) of Virginia, Allan Kehrer (Cathy) of Pennsylvania and Lauralee Nichols (Mike), of Oregon. Leon had six siblings, B. Dale of Pennsylvania, Betty Persico of California and four who preceded him in death, Clinton, Dean, George and Don. Many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews will also cherish his memory.

Leon was an Army veteran and a railroad fireman and he retired in 1979 from AVCO Lycoming, where he inspected aircraft engines.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at Burbage Funeral Home at 208 West Federal St. in Snow Hill. The family will accept visitors from noon to 1 p.m. and the memorial service will begin at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Snow Hill High School's (SHHS) MCJROTC program at 305 South Church St., Snow Hill, Md. 21863.