Leon Watson, 91, passed away June 29, 2017. He was originally from Elba.
His family includes children David (Mary) and Bonnie (Robert) Wohlfeil; grandchildren Scott, Tim, Justin (Alicia) Watson, Heather and Heidi Wohlfeil; great grandchildren Amber, Megan, Alayna, and Brenan Watson; several nieces and nephews; a sister Erma (Paul) Joslin. He is a brother of the late Earl and Mary Fillette.
In 1944 he graduated from E.C.S. having participated in music and all sports. He met and married Lois, his high school sweetheart. Elba was their town, having been well known as a couple and volunteer team. They were even Santa and Mrs. Claus at their daughter and son-in-law’s business.
Leon worked on the Elba muckland, Kendall Refining Company as a salesman. Upon retiring he became the top salesman for Dekalb Corn seed, and was a NYS inspector for Comstock checking the crop fields. He was always very active in the community as a member of the Elba Presbyterian Church, serving as a trustee, elder, head usher for 15 years, treasurer, Four Fold Class, and choir member.
The Fire Department kept him busy as he served on the Board of Directors, secretary, chairman of the Recreation Hall, their Bingo caller, marched with the firemen and played in their band, a life member of the Genesee County Firemen’s Assoc., member of the Elba Town planning board, Grange, Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the Elba Elegants Entertainment Group.
He had many interests in hunting, music, antiques, gardening, and camping having taken the family around the USA, Canada, and Nova Scotia. As a couple they traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, and a cruise through the Panama Canal. He was a true Buffalo Bills fan,Yankees, and Syracuse basketball.
After leaving his home in Elba he resided at the Batavia Manor House where he enjoyed being the “chairman of the chairs”. Recently resided at the Brookdale Landing in Brockport.
Leon lost his Lois in 2010 after 66 years and now they will be together again.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 in the Elba Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elba Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary.
Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements were completed by the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.
