Leon Eugene Dutton

Leon Eugene Dutton, 88, of Greensboro, Georgia died at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning September 6, 2023.  He was born February 25, 1935, in Astoria, IL, the son of the late Harry Dutton and Beulah (Bankes) Anderson.  He married Sandra “Kay” Beck on November 17, 1956.

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, along with two children; daughter, Katharine (Sam) Thiemes of Centennial, CO and son, Michael (Doreen) Dutton of Greensboro, GA; five loving grandchildren, Shannon (Bill) Stevens, Amanda (AJ) Mackenzie, Ryan (Lindy) Dutton, Samuel Thiemes and Erin Dutton; five great grandchildren, Ellie Dutton, Zoey Stevens, Kayden Mackenzie, Kayce Dutton and Bryce Stevens. In addition, he is survived by his brother Charles (Anita) Dutton, and half-siblings Jim (Robyn) Dutton; Becky (Greg) Lundeen, Carla Gordon and Lyle (Pat) Engle.  Leon was preceded in death by both his parents and his half-sister Peggy Davis.

Leon started his adult life as a truck driver for Watson Trucking then Flowers Trucking in Canton, IL.  He later secured a job at the AMAX Coal Sunspot Mine in Astoria, IL as a welder.  Over the next 26 years he worked various jobs at the mine and retired when the mine closed in the mid 80’s.  His true passion was always farming and in 1973, Leon and Kay purchased a farm in Vermont township and spent the next 50 years making it their home and livelihood.  They worked the farm together and raised beef cattle until Kay suffered a stroke in 2011.  It was at that point that his focus changed from farming to caring for her.  In mid-2021, he was diagnosed with cancer and went through treatments.  They then made the decision to move to Georgia to be closer to family.

He attended the Astoria United Methodist Church, was a NASCAR fan, enjoyed watching sports and spending time with family and friends.  He served in the US Army Reserves (6 years), was a member of the United Mine Workers of America (26 years) and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (56 years).  A special thanks to Georgia Hospice Care and The Harbor at Harmony Crossing for their loving care and support during his final days.

A memorial service for Leon Dutton will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 10:00 am, at the Harbor at Harmony Crossing, 923 Harmony Rd, Eatonton, GA with Chaplain Donald Railey officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Astoria United Methodist Church, 305 W Broadway, Astoria, IL 61501 and the Harbor at Harmony Crossing.

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