Leon Bartlett
Leon Bartlett went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1, 2021. Born to Luther (Dee) and Epsie Nance Bartlett on March 20, 1932 in Riverview, AR, Leon grew up near and was graduated from high school in Morrilton, Arkansas. While getting his education degree at Arkansas Tech University, Leon met the love of his life, Barbara Taylor, when they worked in the cafeteria together. After a stint in the Army, during which he was stationed in Germany, Leon and Barbara married and headed to Arizona for his first teaching assignment. Returning home after one year, Leon accepted a teaching position in Fort Smith, where the couple thrived, raising two children, Richard and Pam, and becoming active members of First Baptist Church, where Leon sang in the choir for over 60 years and served as a deacon for many years as well.
Leon pursued a Master's degree in education administration, serving as principal at Mill Creek , Carnall, and Orr elementary schools here in Ft. Smith. Leon loved every child who went through his school, taking pains to learn every child's name as well as those of his or her siblings. He loved to stand in the hall and greet children as they came through the doors. This love of people served him well as he enjoyed being a greeter at First Baptist Church in his later years.
Leon made an impression on people's lives. As one of the first members of Evangelism Explosion at his church, he felt called to share the good news of the gospel with many people. He set a godly example for his family, teaching them the value of a daily quiet time with God as well as the power of prayer. He set a great example of faithfulness in stewardship by supporting his church as well as many charities. A major prayer warrior, Leon prayed for his family every day by name all the way down to his three great-grandchildren.
Leon loved his family, his church, gardening, and talking to people about his faith. He made us laugh, and we will remember and chuckle at his familiar sayings: "You night owls can stay up as long as you like. I'm going to bed;" "RELAX, Archie" (when he thought someone needed to calm down); and the ever popular "Lord, bless this PIE." Leon Bartlett lived life well and will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Barbara; his parents, Luther (Dee) and Epsie Bartlett; brothers Birkett, Irving, and Paul; sisters Venola, Hettie, Geraldine, Alta, Ann, and Lucille. He is survived by son Richard Bartlett; daughter Pam Stone (Billy); grandson Spencer Watson (Allison); grandson Ryan Watson (Kayla); grandsons Reece Watson and Eli Watson; granddaughter Camille Watson; and brother Bill Bartlett (Maxine) as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, March 7, from 1:00-5:00 P.M. at Edward's Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith. The service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 8, at Edward's Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Smith, with Reverend Dale Thompson of First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be in Rose Lawn Cemetery in Fort Smith.
The family request that memorials be made to First Baptist Church Music Ministry, P.O. Box 609, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902.
To leave an online memory, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Record from Mar. 2 to Mar. 6, 2021.