Leon Vernon Pratt

Leon Vernon Pratt was born on July 30, 1937 in Lucien, Oklahoma. Leon passed away January 29, 2011 after a very lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his father Leonard V. Pratt, mother Thelma (Pratt) Jilson and brother Landon J. Pratt. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Margo Pratt and his children Donnie Pratt, Jerry Pratt and Nancy Wynn as well as his Sister and Brothers Shirley McNutt, Michael Pratt and Johnny Jilson. He had 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Alex Pratt was a very special grandson that helped Leon and was at his side for the last several years of his life.

Leon owned and operated the first BMW dealership in the state of Texas and was classified as a Master Mechanic. He always had a great interest in aviation and involved himself around airplanes since a very young age. His father taught him to fly and he earned his pilot license at the age of 16. He stayed involved in aviation from that young age until his illness.

As a young man he also had a great love for music and played the violin and the upright bass and held a lifelong love of Jazz and Classical Music. During his life he raced cars and motorcycles. He was an avid sailor, ham radio operator and world traveler. His sense of humor was boundless and his friendship tireless.

Leon was a Master Mason and member of Duck Creek Masonic Lodge #1419, AF&AM, in Garland, TX, a Life member of the Dallas Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, and a proud member of Hella Temple Shrine.

Services: 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2011, Grove Hill Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Grove Hill Memorial Park. Visitation: 6 - 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.