Services
Obituary
Leon D. Betts, 84, of Clarion passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center in Clarion.
Funeral services for Leon Betts will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main Street in Clarion with Pastor Warren Curry officiating.
Visitation for Leon Betts will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Per Leon’s wishes everyone is asked to dress casual and in jeans please.
Leon Dee Betts, the son of Roy and Velma (Lewis) Betts, was born March 6, 1939 in McIntire, Iowa. He grew up there and graduated from McIntire High School in 1958.
Leon was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Mariel Funte, on August 24, 1958 at the Methodist Church in McIntire. To this union, daughters Marilee and Colleen were born. The couple remained in McIntire for a few years before moving to Cedar Falls. Where Leon worked for John Deere before starting his trucking career.
Even though Clarion was the family’s home since 1965. Leon saw the whole country and spent many miles being an over the road truck driver. He drove truck for 45 years and worked for various companies which includes Umthun Trucking in Eagle Grove. He also enjoyed driving the bus for the Clarion School District for five years.
In his free time, Leon loved camping and fishing. He enjoyed cooking meals on an open fire for his family and friends. He was also a faithful member of the Clarion Church of Christ.
Leon will be remembered as a jokester who gave the best hugs and was always the first one in line when someone needed help.
Leon is survived by his two daughters Marilee “Dolly” Betts of Spencer and Colleen Hinkel; grandson Joshua (Megan) Martin of Spencer and their children Wyatt and Ziva; sisters-in-law Glenda Harms and Kris (Steve) Larson along with extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mariel, son-in-law Terry Hinkel, 10 siblings and brother and sister-in-law Butch and Linda Funte.