W. Leon Gunn
W. Leon Gunn, 98, of Anna, died peacefully with his loved ones at his side at 1:55 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion.
He was born on Nov. 27, 1925, in Villa Ridge, the son of Don C. and Nellie Wilkinson Gunn.
He was united in marriage to Nancy Hubbs on June 5, 1976.
Mr. Gunn was the oldest member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna. He was a charter member of VFW Post 8891-Mounds, a member of the Caledonia Lodge No. 47, the Cairo Elks Lodge and Sons of the American Revolution.
He was employed in the cottonseed processing business for 40 years, starting with Swift & Co. in Cairo, Ill., and retiring from Helena Cotton Oil Company Inc. in Helena, Ark., in 1990 as general manager.
During his tenure in Helena, his professional service and accomplishments were as follows: Director and President of the Mississippi Valley Oilseed Processors Association, Director or the National Cottonseed Processors Association and a crusher delegate to the National Cotton Council. He also was a member of the Arkansas State Committee on Cooperatives and in 1990 was recognized for his outstanding contribution to cooperatives and agricultural development in Arkansas
Mr. Gunn served in the U.S. Army from March 20, 1944, until April 24, 1946. He was with the tank destroyers and the 97th Chemical Mortar Battalion that was part of George Patton’s Third Army. Battles and campaigns were in Central Europe. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant with a European Theatre of Operations Ribbon and one Bronze Battle Star.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; eight nieces and nephews, Barbara Throgmorton of Anna, Jackie Moore of Mounds, Jerry Gunn of Anna, Carol Eskew of Naperville, Donna Washam of Mounds, Michael Phegley of Florissant, Mo., Meredith Anne Kraushar of Derby, Kans., and Karen Lucarelli Narragansett, R.I.; great- and great-great-nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Robert Gunn, Ned Gunn, Don Gunn Jr. and Jack Gunn; three sisters, Rosemary Walton, Jean Armstrong and Betty Conner; two nephews, Wesley Walton and Bobby Gunn; a niece, Linda Childress; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Ruby Hubbs; and a brother-in-law, Jack Hubbs.
Funeral services for W. Leon Gunn were at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna. Interment followed at the Anna Cemetery. The Rev. Mark Kirk officiated. Military honors were conducted at the church by the Illinois National Guard funeral honors team and area veterans.
Memorials can be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.
To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.