Leon Bloom Wakolee, 81 went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at his home in Shawnee, following a long illness.

He was born on December 30, 1930, to Cora Wakolee in Gable.

He was raised by his grandparents, Esther and Jackson Wakolee after his mother's untimely death.

Leon attended school at Centerview.

He proudly enlisted in the U. S. Army in 1951 where he served his basic training at Ft. Sill, before being shipped to Seoul Korea to serve his country in the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal H/3 Bronze Service Stars and United Nations Service Medal and was honorable discharged in 1953 and returned to Oklahoma.

After a few years, he moved to California where he lived for several years. He worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft in EI Segundo, California until he decided to return to Oklahoma in 1970. Upon his return he entered Okmulgee Technical College where he earned a degree in upholstery.

He worked in that profession for several years.

Leon married Carolyn Jane McCool on November 12, 1985. They were married for 23 years.

He is preceded in death by his mother Cora, and his wife, Carolyn McCool Wakolee.

He is survived by his step children, Suzanne Gilbreath, Michelle McCool, Michaela Hart, and Coleen McCool all of Shawnee, and numerous cousins and friends.

Leon was a member of the First Indian Baptist Church, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation and member of the Shawnee American Legion Post 16.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 9, 2012, at Walker Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jimmie Anderson officiating.

Burial will be held at a later date.

Cremation services will be held under the direction of Walker Funeral Service of Shawnee.

Any donations can be made to American Cancer Society.

Published March 8, 2012.