D. Leon Rodden

D. Leon Rodden, 82, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 23, 1936 to Ollie Elbert Rodden and Juanita (Mangrum) Rodden in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Leon grew up and attended Hyde Park Public School and graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1954. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from Northeastern State University and worked in finance for many years. Leon married the love of his life, Sammye Elizabeth Henderson, on May 29, 1959 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They shared over 59 years of a happy life and marriage together. In 1993, Leon became a certified neon tube bender and opened his own business, Lumi Tubes Neon, along with his sons. He loved creating neon and his work can still be seen around Muskogee. Leon was affectionately known as “Neon Leon” to his many customers. He loved his family and had a very special way of making all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren feel as though each of them were his favorite. Leon will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Juanita Rodden; and mother-in-law, Inez Henderson. Leon is survived by his loving wife, Sammye Rodden of the home; children, Steve Rodden and wife Karen, LeAnne Cox and husband Harold, and Brent Rodden and wife Kathi; 10 grandchildren, Michael Cox and wife Julia, Chris Cox, Mandye Davis and husband Donnie, Jacob Cox, Jodi Sherwood and husband Chris, Amy Jones and husband Shane, Layne Rodden, Scott Rodden, Sheldon Rodden and wife Nikki, and Dillon Rodden; 10 great-grandchildren, Logan Sellers. Alex, Katia, and Jude Cox, Kinsleigh Wiedel, Paisley, Payton, and Parker Sherwood, Clayton and Clint Rodden; sister, Joann Bates and husband Ed; brother-in-law, Skip Henderson and wife Rita; and numerous nieces and nephews. Leon’s family has requested memorials be made to www.autismspeaks.org, in honor of his great-granddaughter, Payton. A celebration of Leon’s life will be 2:30 P.M., Friday, December 21, 2018 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Bill Crow officiating.

D. Leon Rodden

June 23, 1936 - December 18, 2018