Leon Denzil Newman Jr., 60, of Deep Water, went home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2011 at Montgomery General Hospital.
Leon was born August 29, 1951 to the late Leon Denzil Newman Sr, and Daisy Smith Newman of Kimberly, WV. Leon was a faithful member and Deacon at The First Baptist Church of Kimberly. In addition, he was also a member of the Trustee board and served as the church treasurer.
Leon retired from Union Carbide in 2002 after 30 years of service. He served on the Fayette County Board of Education for over 10 years and is presently the President of the Board. He is remembered by friends for his loyal service to the community and his family. Leon was a member of the Lion’s Club and belonged to the board of Public Service Districts in the Deepwater and Kimberly areas. He was the Coordinator for the Christmas Cheer, which gives toys to children in need during the holidays.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Dominique Walker.
Leon leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, Velma Banks Newman; five daughters; Daliah Pleva and her husband Scott of Deep Water, Tenea Newman of Deep Water, Kristin Dukes and her husband Derek of Charleston, Jennifer and Hayleigh Newman both at home; one son, Reginald Gray and his wife Angie of Chesapeake, WV; two brothers; Terry Newman and his wife Liz and Michael and his wife Connie Newman both from Kentucky; six granddaughters; Alexis Payne, Lauren and Danae Pleva, Malia Dukes, and Alexandria and Xaniya Gray, and a host of extended family and friends. Leon is also survived by his devoted friend and uncle, Matthew Jackson.
A Homegoing celebration for Leon will be held 1:00 PM Saturday December 31, 2011 at The First Baptist Church of Kimberly with Pastor Larry Smith. Burial will follow at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow. Visitation with the family will be held on Friday December 30, 2011 from 6 to 8 PM at O’Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family of Mr. Newman at www.odellfuneralhome.com