Leon Ainsworth

Leon Parker Ainsworth, 96, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Chateau Girardeau.

He was born Feb. 3, 1923, in Cape Girardeau, son of James Albert and Cora Mae Parker Ainsworth. He and Allene Edna Siemers were married Jan. 30, 1944, at Trinity Lutheran Church by the Rev. F.H. Melzer. Leon was confirmed and received membership into Trinity Lutheran Church by Melzer on April 17, 1947.

Most of Leon's life was spent in Cape Girardeau.

Leon was inducted into the Army Air Force to serve in World War II on Jan. 13, 1943, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He was honorably discharged Feb. 19, 1946. Leon later joined the U.S. Naval Reserve on May 23, 1947, and was placed on active duty Aug. 10, 1950, and assigned to Great Lakes, Illinois. He was later assigned to serve on the USS Leyte during the Korean conflict. Leon was released from active duty Oct. 9, 1951, and received his honorable discharge May 22, 1952.

Upon return from the service, he began his career as a carpenter. He opened his own business as Ainsworth Floor Covering and went on to have a successful career, retiring in 1986.

Leon was an avid fisherman. He and Allene loved to travel and fish. They made many lifelong friends while traveling. Leon had many other hobbies. He and Allene made beautiful quilts, and he loved to paint and build. Leon was an active member in his church, serving in the Men's Club, usher, Boy Scouts and other positions.

Loving survivors include his wife and companion for more than 75 years; two sons, Lynn Paul (Charlotte) Ainsworth of Foley, Alabama, and David Leon (Teresa) Ainsworth of Honeoye Falls, New York; three grandchildren, Lee Ann (Randy) Brugger of Cape Girardeau, Aspen (Dan) Ainsworth-Rubin of Rochester, New York, and Austin Ainsworth of Honeoye Falls; two great-grandchildren, Staci Brugger of Cape Girardeau and Ryan (Morgan) Brugger of Gordonville; stepgrandchild, Todd (Denice) Stitt of Rison, Arkansas; two great-stepgrandchildren, Taylor and Drew Stitt of Rison; great-great-grandson, August Brugger; grandson-in-law, Roger Popp of Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, James Albert Ainsworth Jr., and by a granddaughter, Monica Popp.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park, with military honors conducted by the Missouri Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 N. Frederick St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.