Leon Vernon Freeman

April 4, 1946, in Des Moines, a baby boy was born to Helen and Guy Freeman. Due to an error on his birth certificate, Vernon Leon Freeman would always be known as Leon Vernon Freeman. Leon spent his childhood the baby brother to four brothers and one sister. His stories of mischief and adventure with his siblings in tow were endless. Later in life, he affectionately claimed the role of “Uncle Noodle” to the children of his siblings.

Leon lost his father at the age of ten and consequently spent many of his formative years at the Johnston Boys Home. This experience molded an exceptional human being who loved and accepted all. It shaped a boy who would become a man that never for one second took his family or a friend for granted. He attended Johnston High School through his junior year. He returned home his senior year and as such, graduated from East High School in 1964. In high school he was an exceptional athlete, becoming known as “East’s Big Egg Man” for his daily routine of thirteen eggs for breakfast.

Leon attended Webster City Community College and eventually found his way to the National Joint Apprenticeship Program. He became a master electrician, spending the major part of his career with Baker Electric. Even at work, Leon never met a stranger and never missed an opportunity to make a friend.

Leon set a shining example as husband to Diane Linn Correy for nearly fifty years. They adored each other, never taking a day for granted. Every morning, Leon lovingly made Diane her cup of coffee and he never missed an opportunity to brag about the last meal Diane made. Leon was the proud, adoring father to four children; Leon (Sandy) Freeman Jr., Kelli (Jon) Thomas, Jennifer (Marques) Wilson and Emily (Sean) Lauver. Leon was a gentle giant, led by example and loved his kids perfectly.

The light of Leon’s life are his eight grandchildren; Parker, Elise, Marques, Samuel, Annie, Ben, Jacob and Ellie. He was their super hero and he relished the role. Leon’s greatest love in life was time spent with his family including many treasured vacations by the oceans in Florida and Myrtle Beach, NC, where he earned the belly flopping title “King Leon” and “The Big Kahuna”. Leon’s friendships were numerous and such an important part of his life. He took the role of friend seriously, always willing to help, always making time for anyone in need. All who knew Leon were blessed with his love of laughter and spirited joke telling. He was a lover of people and existed to make others feel good. Leon was a man with big hands and enormous strength yet a heart with no room for anger or hate. His favorite things were simple; car rides with family, watching the rain on his porch, cheering his kids' on, anything that brought a smile to someone and knowing he put it there.

For the past eleven months, Leon fought a courageous battle against acute Leukemia that ended on August 30, 2018. As always, he made us so immensely proud. Leon, an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and friend now looks over us from the windows of heaven. Leon is survived by his brother, Guy (Carleen) Freeman; sister, Helen (Gary) Goodell and sister in law Carol Freeman. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as brothers William, Jerry, and Larry Freeman.

We would like to express our gratitude to the nurses and doctors for the love and care they offered Leon; particularly Dr. Josh Lukenbill and the nurses and assistants on Powell 3 at UnityPoint. They are angels on earth.

Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 5th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Memorial contributions will be used in setting up a scholarship fund for a student in need at Dowling High School. Please direct contributions to the family to be used for this purpose. Helping someone in need is such a fitting way to honor such a generous man. Online condolences may be made at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.