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.