Leon B BURSON
Marriages
Pauline Hockman
Pauline Hockman
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 8A - January 5, 2011
Leon B. Burson April 16, 1922 – January 3, 2011 Leon B. Burson was born April 16, 1922 in Green Forest, Arkansas where he spent his early childhood. His family moved to the northwestern part of Oklahoma where he spent his school years and developed many lifelong friends. In the late 30's, he and his family migrated west to California for a short period of his early teens to find work. After a short time out there, they settled in Delta, Colorado. Leon lived a good part of his life in and around Delta, and several years in Grand Junction, CO where he passed from this life on January 3, 2011. Leon would have been 89 years old this April, Leon proudly served in the U. S. Army Air Corps during World War II. During that period he received training in El Paso, Texas and finally served in India as a motorcycle MP. Before entering the military, he married Pauline Hockman. They were later divorced, however before her death in 2008, they became very good friends, which absolutely elated Leon. While on military leave, Leon was deer hunting on Grand Mesa with some of his friends when a stray bullet from a 30 - 40 Craig Rifle found its way to Leon's chest entering just a quarter inch from his heart and taking out one fourth of his left lung. Everyone knew he would not make it down from the mountain. With the faith that has solidified many of his family and friends, there were prayers continually sent up in his behalf. Although he did nearly bleed to death, he survived long enough to reach Fitzsimmons Military Hospital in Denver where he spent several months in recovery. Leon was given an honorable discharge and returned to Delta to raise his family. Leon and Pauline were blessed on April 26, 1947 with the birth of their first child, Paula. Three years later, on May 11, 1950, their son Larry was born. They continued to reside in Delta until the winter of 1957, when they moved to Grand Junction. While raising their children, Leon worked in construction and as a truck driver. He even owned his own dump truck for a period of time. He was always very proud of his work, and really most of the things he did in his life. Leon usually maintained a very good sense of humor, sometimes telling the same jokes he had told many times before and we would all laugh as if we just heard it for the first time. It thrilled him to think he made someone laugh. Leon retired mostly from the construction and truck driving trade in the late 70's and learned a trade that was surely his calling, and that was in sales. His personality was somewhat magnetic and he always had a good "line" that seemed to work. He did very well at selling and enjoyed trading in the RV market. Leon enjoyed the mountains and having a picnic very much, sometimes he just wanted to "take a ride over the Mesa". He had a remarkable memory even until the last few weeks, sometimes reciting things and names of people from very early in his life. Leon was a member of the General Assembly and Church of the First Born. For the most part, Leon enjoyed life very much, although he did spend a good portion of it being lonely and missing the love of his life, Pauline. During the last couple of years, he loved telling how he and Pauline made amends and became friends. Left behind to enjoy his memories are his daughter, Paula Holder of Grand Junction, CO; son, Larry (Lavelle) Burson of Brighton, CO; four grandchildren, Shona (Nathan) Ratliff of Oklahoma; Michelle (Reford) Herrmann of Whitewater, CO; Kim (Justin) Bates of Fruita, and Amy (Rick) Graham of Brighton, CO; 12 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; sister, Magdalene Marksberry of Delta, CO, and many nieces and nephews who all loved spending time with him. He is also survived by many friends, family and church members who cared for him during the last few months of his life. Leon was preceded in death by Pauline in August, 2008; his parents, William A. and Lula Burson; siblings, Juanita Boyd and Homer Burson, both of whom lived long enough to raise families, and several other siblings who were called home either very young or at child birth. Leon will be greatly missed and thought of often, however the family and close friends are so pleased to know that he can finally see with new eyes, and hear with new ears as promised in the words of God. A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Martin Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will follow on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at General Assembly Church of the First Born, 3150 B Road, Grand Junction, CO 81503. Burial with Military honors to take place on Friday, January 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.
