John Leon Williamson, 59 of Shady Point, passed away July 12 in Poteau. John Leon Williamson, 59 of Shady Point, passed away July 12 in Poteau. He was born May 24, 1947 at Poker Bend to George Ted and Bessie Neona (Crook) Williamson.

He married Gayle Killion on March 13, 1971 in Panama. He was a veteran of the USMC where he was awarded the sharp shooter medal. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, one son and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of the home; two sons, Robert Edward and wife Gloria of Shady Point and John Erik of the home; his mother Bessie of Panama; four brothers, Elmer (Tex) Williamson of Shady Point, Lawrence (Bug) Williamson of Panama, Wiley Williamson of Panama and Elvis Dean Williamson of Keota; two special grandsons, Robert Aaron Williamson and Joshua Ted Williamson; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other loved ones.

A memorial service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. Royal Oak Cemetery in the Poker Bend community, east of Panama, with Rev. Bill Krantz officiating. Cremation services are under the direction of Grace Manor Funeral Home in Poteau. Honorary pallbearers are Leonard Davis, Lonnie McRay, Justin (Gopher) Williamson, Gerald McCray, John Scott Stevens, Joe Bob Stevens, Ashley Dale Killion, James (Hossy) Francis, Arlis (Poovy) Perry Jr., Eddie Francis, Charles Albert Perry, Michael Lee Williamson, Benny Floyd Perry, Garrick Williamson, Dale Killion and Darrell "Bud" Killion.