Leon Sulton

Leon Sulton, Jr., departed this earth from his home in Dayton, Ohio, on December 28, 2025, for his place in heaven. Leon was 77 years old at the time of his passing, born on December 28, 1948, in Columbia, South Carolina. Leon lived a true life of symmetry and balance, symbolically shown by him having the same date of birth and passing.

Leon was the son of the late Leon Sulton, Sr., and the late Marguerite Sulton also from Columbia, South Carolina. As the first-born child of Leon Sr., and Marguerite, Leon was a dutiful, mature, and intelligent son. And being a child brought up in a military family, travel exposed Leon to a wide variety of environments in the United States and abroad, including stays in England and Germany.

While growing up, Leon developed an interest in sports, science, and animals, including his fascination with snakes, to the chagrin of his mom who chose to indulge Leon in his love of snakes and allowed Leon to keep snakes as pets. As you might imagine, this arrangement did not always go over well. As Leon grew older, he maintained his love of sports, developed a love of music, a fierce appreciation of family and faith that shaped his life until the very end.

Shortly after graduating from high school in Utah, Leon was drafted into the military. His time in the service included a tour of Vietnam, which was an experience that Leon neither shared with his family nor did we ever inquire.

After Leon retired from the military, he took a position in the Defense Department, working on governmental contracts, a position from which he retired at the early age of fifty-five.

In retirement, Leon and his late wife, Leslie (they were married on February 22, 1986) were able to enjoy over 20 years of peaceful and serene years together doing the things they both loved until their untimely passings.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Sulton, Sr., and Marguerite Sulton and his loving wife of 35 years, Leslie Sulton.

Leon is survived by his sisters Gail Biehl and Jean Cooper; brother Derek (Carmela) Sulton; nephews Christopher Sulton and Christian Sulton; great nephews and great niece, Michael, Brennan, Roman, Rio and Kennedy, respectively (Christopher’s children); stepchildren, Bryan Westbrook, Scott Alexander Foster, Lona Denise Westbrook, Kevin Westbrook, Crystal Griffin; step-grandchildren, Sherri Westbrook, Leroy Shipp, Victor Westbrook, Adrian Shipp, Chauntney Westbrook, Kyle Westbrook, Nicolas Westbrook, Charles Westbrook, Bryanna Westbrook, Ryman Westbrook, and Hudson Westbrook. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Andrea (Lonnie) Glenn; Andrea’s son, Tory Williams; a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Gentle, calm, patient, quiet, intelligent, and an impactful man of faith, Leon will be missed by the people in his life.

The Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen

from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says,

“Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times,

The laughter, the song.

The good life I lived

While I was strong.

Continue my heritage,

I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely

The sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease,

My soul is at rest.

Remembering all,

How I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions,

No matter how small.

Go on with your life,

Don’t worry about falls

I miss you all dearly,

So keep up your chin.

Until the day comes

We’re together again."

Acknowledgements

The family of Leon Sulton, Jr., would like to express their thanks and gratitude for all your kind words, thoughts, and prayers. God bless.

We will be holding a memorial in honor of Leon Sulton, Jr., some time soon to be announced.

To share a memory of Leon or leave a special message for his family, please visit the Guestbook below.