of Kirkwood passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023 at the age of 44. He was the beloved husband of Kati Pope Williams for 14 years and dear father to son, Landon and daughter, Keely.

Leon is survived by his mother, Linda L. Williams of Mt. Vernon, IL, his father, Harold Williams (Laura) of Woodlawn, IL, his sister, RachelNorris (Greg) of Norton Shores, MI, his mother-in-law, Muffy Pope, his brothers-in law, George Pope and Nick Pope (Abby), his nephews, Grant Norris, Garrett Norris and Bates Pope, and his nieces, Grace Norris, Gigi Pope and Libby Pope.

Leon grew up in Mt. Vernon, IL and graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He was employed for the past several years as an Enterprise Sales Executive at SAP Concur.

Those who knew Leon will remember him for his warm-heartedness, exuberance, sincerity and quick wit. An entertainer to his core, he was unrivaled in his ability to brighten a gathering with an adventurous story, a clever joke or a good tune. And, if you were lucky enough to spend time with him one-on-one, you found yourself in the presence of a brilliant and proud husband and father who valued, above all, family, connection, community and friendship. He will be dearly missed by his family and all those who knew him.

Services: A service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (106 N. Meramec, Clayton) on Saturday, January 7, at 1 p.m.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home osfuneralhomes.com

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

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jan. 5, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Leon Williams

26 Entries

Jimmy Bourisaw

January 10, 2023

My husband Jimmy and Leon worked together for a number of years at ADP together. During this time was when Jimmy and I found out about Leon´s talent for the love of music. Leon was so talented that we ended up asking him to perform at our wedding reception back in 2013. My husband and Leon continued to stay in touch over the years and even reconnected in the workforce back in 2021 when Jimmy became employed at SAP. Jimmy and I are both so sorry for your loss. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Larry & Peggy Knowles

Planted Trees

Eric Kvam

January 8, 2023

Kati,

That was the most uplifting memorial I have ever attended, and we spent all night telling funny Leon stories. They had me in stitches and in tears. I worked very closely with Leon in 2018 and I was always impressed with his drive, his humor and his love for you and the kids. He was the life of the party and yet he always shared the spotlight. He would have been proud seeing his family and friends gathered at a place he enjoyed so much. Thank you for sharing Leon with our team over these past 5 years and we will miss him greatly.

David Henry Spangler

January 7, 2023

My most sincere condolences to all of you. How utterly shocking.
May we all wink at the past, keep one eye on the future, and never fail to gratefully embrace the here and now.
David Henry Spangler
#12 Garden Lane

Mark and Amy Spotanski

Planted Trees

Charmaine Sartori

January 6, 2023

Dear Kati,
I have continued to pray for you and the entire family for strength during this difficult time. I also hope you find moments of joy and hope while family and friends surround you with love & support and the beautiful memories they share about Leon.

How lucky I've been to work so closely with Leon over the last couple of years! Leon worked in one of the most complex verticals in the company and continued to bring value and success to SAP and his clients. We would talk about how to overcome our biggest internal challenges and deal strategies for clients, then easily flip conversation to hosting parties for 50 or more people, and certainly our spouses and kids. I enjoyed our partnership and friendship greatly and I will surely miss him.

To Landon & Keeley,
Your dad was always so proud of you two! I heard all about how you were doing in school, sports and activities and he truly loved being your dad. He told me how he always wanted the best for you both, so I pray that God will continue to watch over you and your family and help you to continue doing great things.

My best to all of you and my door is always open for support and friendship.

Jeff & Jami Wolfe

January 6, 2023

Leon, it was a privilege to get to know you and your family. You brightened every room, fairway or barstool you were ever in. We will miss you dearly but will never forget the great moments we've shared.

Our heartfelt condolences,

Jeff & Jami Wolfe

Beth Klemmensen

January 6, 2023

Kati, Landon, and Keeley,
It was a joy to engage and strategize with Leon at work. We shared the management of a few accounts together. He was so proud of you and the stories or comments about you all were always accompanied by a warm smile. He will be missed. May you feel wrapped in prayer and God´s love!
Beth Klemmensen

Greg and Krystol Lottes

Sent Flowers

Kim Bandelier

Planted Trees

His Concur Family

Sent Flowers

Kirkwood PeeWee C1 Team

Sent Flowers

Duwana Jones

January 5, 2023

Duwana Jones

January 5, 2023

Duwana Jones

January 5, 2023

Dear Mrs. Williams,

My heart goes out to you, the kids, and the Williams friends & family. Leon was my Sales Rep that I supported in 2019. He was such a wonderful person. We would talk deals but also chat about our families. I remember the day when he told me he could sing and I said we need to do a duet. Sure enough, the duet of "Proud Mary" was done. When Leon started singing, it caught everyone off guard. Our colleagues and other present patrons was so pumped and excited. (Fun memories). I am so thankful to Leon for his jokes and positive energy. Leon showed love to us because he was surrounded by loved at home. He will be missed. We will keep you in our prayers.

Gwyn Kooistra

January 5, 2023

To the Williams Family, I had the pleasure of working with Leon when he first started at Concur. His tenacity and curiousness made our customer engagements more fun and impactful! I remember he talked of his family a lot- as we share a "sons name- Landon". My heart goes out to you all, and I pray for comfort and peace during this time! May God be with you all Kati, Landon, and Keeley!
Gwyn Kooistra

Caroline Lewis and the SAP HR Team

January 5, 2023

While I did not know Leon, I was so sad to learn of his passing. My sincerest condolences to Kati, Landon, Keely and Leon's entire family.

Monica Ewing

January 5, 2023

As one of the many from Leon's SAP Concur family, my heartfelt condolences are sent to family and friends. Leon will be greatly missed.

Doug Trevizan

January 5, 2023

I only knew Leon through conference calls, but it was enough to realize the good person he was. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Maria Westfall (Schellhardt)

January 4, 2023

To Kati and all of Leon's family,
I was a friend of Leon's from his KFNS days. In fact, I worked closely with him to transfer my accounts when I was leaving around 2004. Both Rob Forest and I became good friends with Leon, and although we weren't in touch over recent years, it was always so great to run into him from time to time around St. Louis (OB Clark's, Cardinal games, Louie, etc.). Leon was such a great guy, and I am just so sorry for this tragic loss. I will continue to pray that you all find the strength to make it through these difficult days, weeks, months, and years. I hope you will one day know and feel that he's with you forever. There are no words to make this better, no sense to be made, for a great husband, father, son, friend and so much more is suddenly gone from life as you know it. Kati, I will especially pray for your strength to take care of your children, to be the rock they need. My heart breaks for all of you. Just one more thing: you will all need each other, so ask for help and support when you need it.
God Bless,
Maria Westfall (Schellhardt in the KFNS days)

Rachel and Jake Leonard

January 4, 2023

Kati, we are profoundly sorry for your loss and we are keeping you and Landon and Keely lifted in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We will miss Leon's smiling face in the stands this year-- he was so proud of Landon, on good plays and also not so good ones. Will miss his good natured banter and seeing his devotion to his children. May his memory be a blessing.

Carol Westerman & Jim Lari

Planted Trees

Eric & Kayla

January 4, 2023

We are devastated by this news and sending prayers to his family & friends. We met Leon several times at the Neals house and Tillman events. We were instantly drawn to his infectious personality! He was such a kind, fun-loving character who was able to bring everyone together and make you personally feel like long lost best friends within minutes. The world lost a bright light and won't be the same without him. Hugs to all!

Eric & Kayla Nieman

Mike Arthur

January 4, 2023

Leon, I was lucky enough to have the chance to work with you all year in 2022. I loved getting to know your sense of humor and your positive outlook. In our conversations about things outside of work, your love for your family was always evident and that's always something I admire in people. I'll miss you, my friend, and I know the rest of your SAP family will too.

Tim Willmann (Ryan´s dad)

January 4, 2023

I only knew Leon through Kirkwood Stars hockey but in the short time we chatted at many practices and games I understood he loved his family and he loved watching Landon skate. He was a very nice man to carry on a conversation with. I will surely miss our handshakes and hockey discussions.