Leon Buxton was born September 25, 1927 to Grant and Nancy (Shipman) Buxton in Ozark, Missouri. He was raised in a Christian home and came to faith in his childhood from the guidance of his mother. On March 12, 2011, Leon went to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ. He graduated from Rogersville High School and then at age 18 joined the U.S. Army and served in the Aleutian Islands at the conclusion of World War II. He was married to Marie Misel on May 20, 1951 at St. Paul United Methodist Church to which he had a lifelong devotion. Through the years, he held many leadership positions, and was the Lay Leader at the time of his death. He was a member of the Ozarks Area Racers Hall of Fame, a long-time member of the Abou Ben Adhem Temple, a charter member of the Springfield Breakfast Optimist Club, and a life member of Optimist International. In 1967, he joined Springfield Pump and Supply Company where he became the owner/operator and continued to work full-time until the time of his death. Leon was a hard worker and took great pride in helping his children pursue their dreams. All who knew Leon will remember him for his loyalty, humility, and faithfulness. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Gail; and sister, Katherene McCoy. Leon is survived by Marie, his wife of nearly 60 years; his son, Phil and daughter-in-law Joyce, of Springfield; daughter, Renee (Buxton) and son-in-law Greg Campbell, of Rogers, Ark.; his grandchildren, who were the delight of his life, Audrey Buxton and Matt and Bradley Campbell; sister, Louise Law, of Houston, Texas; several nephews and nieces; and special lifelong friends, Harold and Wanda Boyd. In lieu of flowers, for those who desire, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to either: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Arkansas Chapter at 200 River Market Avenue #100, Little Rock, AR 72201 or St. Paul United Methodist Church at 413 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011 in St. Paul United Methodist Church. Burial will be immediately following funeral services in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2011 in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.