Leo James Weston

Mr. Leo James Weston, 96, of Newnan GA., formerly of Champaign, Rantoul, Jewett & Mattoon Illinois, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Corinth Personal Care Home in Newnan, GA. He was born July 22, 1927 at home in Champaign, IL. to the late Dempsey Weston & Ethel Cook Weston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Janet Weston, sister Juanita Weston Ethridge and his wife, Betty Stephens Weston. Leo's early childhood was spent traveling up and down the Illinois Central Railroad attending different schools for sometimes a day or two at a time as his father worked maintaining the tracks and railroad crossings for Illinois Central. The family eventually moved to a home in Mattoon, IL so he and his sister Juanita, could attend a permanent school. Following his years in Mattoon, the family moved to Rantoul in 1940 where he finished Middle School and then attended High School. Besides the academics, he played on the Football Team and was proud of the fact they won their first Watseka League Championship in 1944. Following High School graduation, he was drafted into the Army in October of 1945 and served in various capacities at Ft. Sheridan near Chicago. He qualified as an expert marksman and demonstrated this ability to his sons Randy and Bob with the many hours of target practice and small game hunting they did together. The war was winding down and he was ultimately Honorably Discharged in December of 1946. After various jobs following his discharge, he began his full-time career at Jos. Kuhn & Co. in downtown Champaign. He retired after 44 yrs in the clothing business with fond memories of the people he was honored to work with there. In July of 1949 Leo married his High School sweetheart Betty Stephens of Rantoul. They were married just short of 74 years before Betty's death in June of 2023. Following retirement, they moved to the country near Jewett IL and spent 28 years enjoying life with new friends, many of which attended their church where Leo taught Sunday School. Leo and Betty eventually moved to Mattoon when it became difficult to get to and from doctors appointments and maintain their country home. After enjoying 3 ½ years in Mattoon, they moved to Newnan, GA. to be near family during their final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Rose Hill Community Church, 12205 E. 1750th Ave. Rose Hill, IL 62432. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date at this location. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. Survivors include his sons, Randy (Rita) Weston of Newnan, GA., Bob (Connie) Weston of North Port, FL.; Grandchildren Rachel (Jeff) Rogers of Peachtree City, GA., Ryan (Megan) Weston of Newnan, GA., Taylor (Michael) Lockhard of Safety Harbor, FL., Katie Weston of St. Petersburg, FL.; Great-grandchildren Parker, Luke & Tyler Rogers. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory 770-253-4580

Leo James Weston

July 22, 1927 - January 21, 2024