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And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 His Life Leon Philip Gaines, 79, was born November 16, 1944, in Shreveport, LA. He entered into rest on January 8, 2024, at 6:51 a.m. at Carle (formerly Methodist) Hospital in Peoria, IL. Leon was raised by his parents, the late Fleece and Zella Gaines. At an early age, the family moved to Peoria where he accepted Christ as his Savior. He graduated from Manual High School in 1963 and was proud to be a Ram. About 5 years later, he was drafted into the Army where he served in the Vietnam War. He returned home in 1970 with an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart Medal. In pursuit of higher education, he attended Midstate College studying Business Administration/Management. He was employed at WESCO (formerly Westinghouse Electric Co.) for many years working in sales and in the warehouse until his retirement in 2005. Leon was married for 48 years to Monzola, the love of his life, until her death on May 21, 2023. In his younger years, Leon loved cars and was known for always having a clean ride. He was an avid bowler and reader. When his children were young, he enjoyed playing outside with them, attending basketball games, and driving them to Champaign for the IHSA tournaments to support the Manual Rams. To his family he was a grill master and made his own delicious barbeque sauce. After retirement, he could be found watching tv in his favorite recliner, yelling for the Chicago Bears and other sports teams. He was a humble veteran and generous giver to all, including many charities. Leon leaves to cherish his loving memory: (2) sons - Everett (Lillie) McKinney of Indianola, MS and Demetri Gaines of Houston, TX; (2) daughters - LaTonya (Terence) Franklin of Atlanta, GA and Tisha (Courtney) Anderson of Peoria, IL; (2) sisters - Linda Gaines of Houston, TX and Gloria Hayes of Pulaski, IL; (11) grandchildren – Marquis Jordan-McKinney, Brandis Johnson, Brittney Gaines, Brandon Daniels, Darius Williams, Ariel Ivory, Darrion (Kennara) McKinney, Brian Gaines, Arneisha Walls, Mickayla Alexander, and Isaiah Alexander; (27) great grandchildren – Aidan, Alaysia, A’mere, Amiri, Amori, Ariane, Brielle, Da’Layja, Daleah, D’Ari, Jrue, Kingston E., Kingston M., Laedon, Marion, Marleigh, Nazier, Phoenix, Ramani, Rayniah, Royal, Sage, Tasia Treshaun, Tristan, Zaria and Rhamedi; a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, son Brian L. Gaines, sisters Dorothy Williams and Lois F. Gaines, and great grandson Troy Erving II. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Church of the Living God of Peoria with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 10 am. Host Pastor is Vice-Chief Bishop Leroy Smith, Jr. Rev. Alvin Riley, Sr., Pastor of Sovereign Grace Baptist Church will officiate. Leon will be laid to rest beside his wife at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com

Tributes

Mr. Leon Philip Gaines

November 16, 1944 - January 8, 2024