AGE: 84
Leon passed away at home Thursday evening, December 1, 2011 with his family at his side after a brief illness. He was born July 2, 1927 in Muskegon, MI the son of Albert and Viola (Gunn) George. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Clarence Wolbrink. He attended Fremont High School in Muskegon and was a truck driver by trade. In 1957 he gave himself to the Lord and began his first ministry in a one room school in the Muskegon area. He began his full time ministry in the Ludington and Muskegon area from 1972 to 1980 serving several churches. Leon began his ministry in Southwest Michigan in Paw Paw at the First Baptist Church and later Calvary Baptist Church, Paw Paw, then at the Lawton Baptist Church. He continued his ministry in the Forgotten Man Ministry at the Van Buren County Jail for 2 years and then at the Allegan County Jail for over 13 years retiring in 1999. After retirement he became an interim pastor for several churches in Southwest Michigan. Leon enjoyed bowling and water sports and water skied until he was 72 years old. On Feb. 22, 1946 in Muskegon, Leon was united in marriage to Mary Jane Thielbar who precede him in death on May 6, 1998. He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers, Harlow and Ronnie George, and Bradley Wolbrink; a grandson Cody Austin Crump. On August 21, 1999 in Mattawan he was united in marriage to Catherine A. Sargent who survives. Also surviving are 5 children, Roger (Gloria) George and Janice (Mark) Whitehouse both of Sparta, Patty (Cliff) Cole of Kent City, MI, Dawn (James) Crump of Locust Grove, AR and Mary (Willard) Lounsbury of Paw Paw; 5 step-children; 24 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; 4 brothers, Duane Knoll of Muskegon, Jerry Wolbrink of Saginaw, Norman Walbrink of Bitely and Marshall Wolbrink of Houghton Lake; sister, Sarajane Weaver of Newaygo; many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Lawton Evangelical Mennonite Church where funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Roger Andrews officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will be in Prospect Lake Cemetery, Lawrence. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements are by the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw.