Leon "Gate" Ishmon Sr.

The loving Leon "Gate" Ishmon Sr. was born August 13, 1927 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to the late Roy and Bessie (Young) Ishmon. As the eldest of 5 children, Leon was known as the loving protector. To our surprise he then moved on to become the protector of his wife Argusta Ishmon and the family they have built. Together they have birthed four handsome boys: Frank Ishmon, Leroy (Ella) Ishmon, Walter "Louie" Ishmon, and Leon Jr. Ishmon; four beautiful girls: Dorothy 'Dot" Farrar, Emma Ishmon, Barbara (Leon) Rice, and Joanne Ishmon. They also went on to raise Leslie Ishmon and Deon Taylor as their own. If you knew Leon well, it was as if you got to experience a piece of his own life with him because he liked to share stories of his childhood. His laughter was contagious and could be heard up and down E. Winneshiek St. Without fail, every warm day Leon would be sitting on the porch with his good friend James Spearman. Leon would be smiling and waving as you approached his house. You couldn't help but to stop and say "hi." As you approached the porch he would always say "Thank God your here child." When you would get ready to leave he would say something like "keep the ball rolling" or "take care now ya hear." To our surprise the Lord called his angel home on November 20, 2015. He leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece's, and nephew's to mourn his legacy. He was preceded in death by his two sons: Leon Jr. Ishmon and Walter Ishmon; four brothers: James Ishmon, Fred Lee Ishmon, Vergil Ishmon, and one that passed at birth; also his grandson Eric Rice. Leon will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 11:00am at Philippians Baptist Church. There will be a visitation at this location from 9am-11am. Burial will follow the service at Freeport City Cemetery. There will be a repast at Philippians Baptist Church to immediately follow. Leon may be absent in our presence but he will never be absent in our hearts and in our minds. Leon has personally left his mark on each and everyone he has had the pleasure of speaking with. His legacy will forever live on and his memories will never be forgotten. At this time, friends and family of Leon, we must keep our heads high and like Leon said "keep the ball rolling" in his memory. "Take care now, ya hear Gate." Until we meet again. Please sign Leon's guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.