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Leon Granby

June 9, 1917 — February 19, 2012

Leon D. Granby, 94, of Olney, formerly of Newton, died Sunday, February 19, 2012, at Richland Care and Rehab.

Born June 9, 1917, in Oblong, to Cleo P. and Oma Randolph Granby, he was a 1936 graduate of Oblong Township High School and a WWII veteran who served in the African and Italy campaigns and received numerous medals including a silver battle star. He retired from Union Oil Company in 1982 as a field operator with 37 years of service. Leon was a member of Newton Masonic Lodge #216 AF&AM who served twice as Master and a member of Newton American Legion Post #20, Olney VFW and Grace United Methodist Church of Newton. He also was an avid viewer of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden.

Mr. Grandby is survived by a son, Ron (Debbie) Granby of Newton; five daughters, Yvonna (Jeril) Clark of Vincennes, Ind., Linda (Jim) Fry of Flora, Connie (Bill) Hartleroad of Columbus, Miss., Debbie (Alden) Blake of Yale and Sherry (Ken) Duncan of Calhoun; eight grandchildren; 14 step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, June Melton Granby, whom he married on October 21, 1945; his parents; three brothers, Carl, Don and Lawrence; and a sister, Mary Katherine Granby.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong. Masonic rites were conducted by the Newton Lodge. Burial was in Wilkin Cemetery in rural Oblong with full military rites accorded by Oblong American Legion Post #219. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Oilfield Museum in Oblong. Condolences to the family can be sent to www.oblongfuneralhome.com.