Willie Leon Sturch

W. Leon Sturch was born to Robert and Vera (Poole) Sturch in Jackson County, Arkansas in the Oakland community near Bradford, Arkansas, on Feb. 28, 1930. He departed this world on August 18, 2023 at the age of 93.
He graduated from Bradford High School. He attended one year of college, then joined the Navy.
After the Navy, Leon joined a traveling wheat crew, which was what brought him to Northeastern Colorado/Western Nebraska.
While working on a farm in the area, he met and married his cherished wife, Caryl Jones, on Dec. 20, 1953, at Clough Valley Baptist Church. The two were married for 69 years. They demonstrated to friends and family what a happy, good marriage could be.
Three children were born to the couple, Robert, Cindy, and Bea. Leon worked for Shell Oil Company in Fort Morgan, CO, and he also worked for several ranchers in the Parks and Haigler, NE area. A bit later, he and Caryl distributed Amway products. He also hauled fuel for John's 66 Service in Wray.
In 1980, he and Caryl moved to the front range area, where they started their owner/operator trucking business.
Leon worked the majority of his life as a long-haul trucker, traversing this beautiful country of ours. His beloved co-pilot and relief driver, Caryl, often went with him; and once-in-a-while, a grandchild or two. His cross-country travels filled him with fun and interesting stories with which to entertain his kids and grandkids during visits.
Leon never met a stranger; he could warm up even the most haggard, tired waitress; and even get her to smile or laugh. His
warm and friendly manner made everyone around him feel welcome and included.
Leon enjoyed hunting with his son, brother, father, and grandsons; and taught gun-safety to the Laird 4-H club.
Leon was a faithful follower of the Lord. He almost never missed a Sabbath worship, and was a pillar and beloved member in his and Caryl's church. He and Caryl daily prayed for all of their family and encouraged them to seek the Lord, and read the Bible.
Leon was a lover of our country. He instilled respect and patriotism into his kids and grandkids; especially for our constitution, 2nd amendment rights, and American freedoms.
Leon is survived by his wife, Caryl, his sister, Medrith (Fred) Teichert, and his brother James Sturch. He is also survived by his son Robert L Sturch, and his daughters Cindy (Dennis) Wetherington, and Bea (Greg) Brueggeman. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kevin (Casey) Sturch, April (Wetherington) Simpson, Jarrod (Joleen) Wetherington, Joshua (Andrea) Wetherington, Tarrah (Ryan) Richardson, Elissa (Antonio) Rosales, and Bryan (Lisa) Brueggeman; plus 23 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephew.
A Receiving of Family & Friends will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, Colorado.
Memorials may be made to the Jones Family Gravesite Trust, c/o Wray State Bank, P.O. Box 277, Wray, Colorado 80758.
Interment will be held in the Jones Family Cemetery.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.