Leon David Parton, 81, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. His peaceful passing occurred at his home in Sand Springs with his wife of 61 years Neta by his side.
Leon was born to Clarence Hicks Parton and Verla Ware Parton Bennett on May 2, 1938 in Weleetka, Oklahoma. He attended Dustin Public Schools before joining the United States Army in 1955 at age 17.
Leon served in the Field Artillery from 1955 – 1975, most of it with the 101st Airborne Division. He made 135 jumps and earned the Master Parachutist badge. He served in Germany, two tours in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, and was in Beirut, Lebanon in 1958. His medals include three Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, four Army Commendation Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, a Vietnam Campaign Medal with one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation.
After he retired from the Army, Leon moved to Sapulpa where he lived from 1976 – 2003. He worked as a welder. He enjoyed being outdoors, camping, hunting, learning about military history, restoring his 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone, making model airplanes, attending OSU sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends. He gave generously to various organizations serving veterans and to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clarence Dale Parton.
Leon is survived by his wife Neta Sue Gray Parton and his daughter Dawn Annette Parton and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 15th from 4-6pm at Smith Funeral Home, 1208 S Main St, Sapulpa, OK. The funeral service will be held at 10am on Monday, September 16th at Smith Funeral Home. Interment to follow at 3pm at Fairview Cemetery in Dustin, OK.
