Born: Oct. 16, 1921

Died: March 1, 2013

Leon’s life began on Oct. 16, 1921, in Mesick, Mich., son of Thomas and Lura (Compton) Anderson.

He was a 1940 graduate of Tustin High School.

Leon was united in marriage to the former Doris Franz on Oct. 10, 1942, in Grand Rapids.

Shortly after their marriage, and with a baby on the way, Leon was sent off to World War II.  He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1942 until 1945, earning two bronze battle stars for his sacrifice to country.

Leon came to Dowagiac from Elk Grove Village, Ill., and worked for Rudy Manufacturing and Sundstrand.  He and Doris were best known as the owners of the Dowagiac Stationers shop in downtown Dowagiac.

Leon was active in the community for decades, serving as chairman of the Dowagiac Planning Commission and the Local Officers Compensation Commission.

He was formerly a member of Rotary Club, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Shriners.

His loving family includes: his son, Leon “Andy” C. (Jane) Anderson of Dowagiac; grandsons, Timothy (Casey) Anderson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joshua (Mary) Anderson of St. Louis, Mo., and Dale (Stephanie) Anderson of Lexington, Ky.; great-grandchildren, Julia Robinson, Victoria Anderson and Amelia Anderson.

Leon passed away at his Cedar Sands home on Friday, March 1, 2013.

He is preceded in death by: his wife, Doris; and two brothers, Kenneth E. and Thomas E. Anderson.

A graveside memorial service is being arranged for a later date to honor both Leon and Doris at Riverside Cemetery by Yazel and Clark Chapel.

Memorial contributions in Leon’s name may be directed to the Cass County Medical Care Facility. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Leon a www.yazel-clark.com.