Leon Byrnes

Leon Byrnes, 64, entered into heaven's eternity to be with his Savior Jesus Christ on November 22, 2013 at 7:26 p.m. at the Marion Veterans Affairs Medical Center; where he received excellent care. Leon was born on September 20, 1949 in DuQuoin to Joseph Byrnes and Opal (Puckett) Byrnes. He married Cindy Snider on April 24, 1971 in DeSoto and they enjoyed 42 years of marriage together. She survives. Other survivors include a daughter Keri LeAnn (Byrnes) Rushing of Murphysboro; brothers, Richard Byrnes of Carterville, Gary Dale and Michelle Snider of Augusta, GA, Larry Snider of DeSoto, and Scott Snider of DeSoto; sisters, Johanne Bowlby of DeSoto, Jeri Webb of Herrin, and Kim and Jim Stodghill of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Destiny Rose Rushing and Daxton Lyle David Rushing both of Murphysboro. Leon is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and Ralph and Doris Snider, his in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law William Bowlby; and sister-in-law Lynn Byrnes. Leon proudly served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Regiment, also 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was a Vietnam Veteran, serving there from 1968-1970. He loved being a heavy equipment operator, farming, gardening, and helping anyone he could in any way possible. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, with Pastor Susan Burnett officiating. Burial will be at Desoto Cemetery with military services. Visitation will be from 5-8:00 on Monday, November 25, at the funeral home. The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Alur and Dr. "V" and staff at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Marion for the excellent care Leon received during his time there. The preferred forms of remembrances are memorial donations to the family or to the Marion VA Medical Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.



Service:



1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2013



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, IL







Visitation:



5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2013



Meredith Funeral Home Carbondale, IL