Brinson, Leon R. 1939-2024 Savannah, Mo.

By NewsPress Now

SAVANNAH, Mo. – Leon Ray Brinson, age 84, of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at home. He was born Dec. 4, 1939, to the late Raymond and Grace (Blair) Brinson, in rural Nodaway County.

He was a graduate of the 1957 class of Graham High School. He and Mary Frances Duff eloped to Platte City, Missouri, and were united in marriage at the Christian Church on June 19, 1962. He was a retired, hard-working farmer who put his carpentry and mechanical skills to great use. He was a member of the Faith United Church, of St. Joseph.

As a volunteer for draft, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from March 1962 to March 1964, followed by four years with the Maryville, Missouri, National Guard unit with an honorable discharge in March 1968. In Hawaii, he served in the Co. C. 65th ENGR BN (INF Div) APO 25. As a “First In – Last Out” combat engineer he earned Expert (rifle M-1), 2nd CL GNR (M60LMG) 1st CL GNR (M66 MG) and Marksman (pistol .45). He was on “full alert’ during the Cuban Crisis.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Leo Ray Brinson; and granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Jordan.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary, of the home, and their children: Lynn Janette Jordan (Jon), Stanley Dean Brinson, Scott Raymond Brinson; his grandchildren: Jeramey Stephan Jordan (Elizabeth) and Jaimee Lynn Jordan Garg (Kamal); great-grandsons, Jax Leon and Johnnie Kai Jordan; plus the adopted family of Mary Noel Owens.

A Private Committal Service with military honors and immediate family will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery. Memories of Leon and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.