James Leon Dull was born near Stockton, Missouri, on April 19, 1941, to Orvel and Nola Neoma “Kate” (Gilbert) Dull. He passed away at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital on January 6, 2016, of complications from injuries received in a fall.
Leon attended one room school houses at Shady Grove and Wright’s Creek in Tally Bend before attending Lowry City Schools beginning in the seventh grade. He graduated from Lowry City High School in 1959.
Leon, along with his younger brother, Dean, played basketball at Lowry City High, but he and his brother were most known for playing baseball on Lowry City’s state wide acclaimed American Legion and Ban Johnson baseball teams in the late 50s and early 60s that were coached by his father. Leon was the master of an especially wicked knuckleball, which in later years he taught to his grandsons. At age 15, he began courting his childhood sweetheart, Beverly Ann Baker. After she graduated from high school, they were married on June 25, 1960, at the home of her parents near Lowry City. Through his life, he was faithfully devoted to Beverly as they were lifelong friends and companions sharing a love that will last through eternity. They celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past year. To this union were born three children, Jeffrey Leon, Timothy James, and Kristi LeAnn.
After high school, Leon farmed the family farm in the Shady Grove area east of Lowry City for the 1959 crop year and then began work at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, as a “make ready” man for the printing presses in the printing division. In 1970, he and Beverly, returned to the farm that they had purchased on C Highway just east of Lowry City where they lived until his passing. For several years he farmed and worked as a mechanic for the International dealership in Clinton. In 1984, he became the water plant manager for the City of Clinton utilities and from 1995 until his retirement in 2013, he was the Superintendent and water plant manager for the Truman Water District #2 in Montrose, Missouri. Through these years he continued his farming and cattle operation.
Leon was granted the great gift of eternal life when he had an experience of salvation by grace during a revival meeting at Good Hope Baptist Church in Kansas City on October 12, 1961. In 1964, he became a member of Sharon Baptist Church of Lowry City, Missouri, where he faithfully worshiped and served the Lord until his passing. He always supported and loved the true gospel preached at the Church. As faithful servants of the Lord, he and Beverly were privileged and blessed to see the salvation of their three children, their two daughters-in-law and son-in-law, and all seven of their grandchildren, who also worshiped with him, and continue to serve the Church.
During the years, Leon enjoyed working around the farm and was the family Mister Fix-It. He loved watching first his children and then his grandchildren in their many sports activities. After retirement, he and Bev enjoyed traveling but mostly enjoyed their family, church friends, and working around the farm.
Leon is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly, of the home, son Jeff and wife, Stephanie, of Lowry City, Missouri, son Tim and wife, Dava, of Lowry City, Missouri, daughter, Kristi and husband, Jared Ott, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, grandchildren, Dalton Dull, Gable Dull, Landon Dull, Alyx Dull, Cooper Dull, Pyper Ott, Rhianna Ott, many nieces, nephews, family members, the Church family at Sharon Baptist Church, and many friends. Leon was preceded in death by his father and mother, Orvel and Kate Dull, his brother, Dean Dull, his loved and respected father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elder Leon and Ada Mae Baker, and great-nephew, Riley J. Baker.
Leon will be greatly missed by his family, the members of Sharon Baptist Church, and his many friends. But, we are thankful for our knowledge that he is now standing before the Lamb and the throne of God in white robes washed in the Blood of Christ. We take comfort in our belief that God has greeted him by saying, “Well Done, Faithful Servant.”
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