Jack de Leon Sr.

Inspector Jack de Leon (USDA) Sr., of Columbus, Ohio, stepped into eternal life on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the age of 87. Jack was known for his tenacious work ethic, his unwavering commitment to his family and friends, and his devout faith in Christ. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who loved him. 

Jack was born on January 9, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to George and Margaret de Leon. Professionally, Jack was known and respected for his integrity and commitment to excellence. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and retired from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service after thirty-five years of service. Jack enjoyed an encore career in the Kroger Meat and Seafood Department and was a loyal union member of the UFCW Local 1059.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Jack's greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Shirley Ann, for over 53 years, and together they raised four children, whom he loved deeply. He was a doting grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he cherished every moment he spent with them. Jack was a man of deep faith, and his spirituality was the guiding force in his life. He was a member of Hilock Fellowship Church, where he served as the Sunday School Superintendent and was involved in numerous ministries.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann, and siblings Don Luis, Yvonne (Pete) Schafer, and Falaise. He is survived by siblings Sharon, Jerry, Richard (Carol), and Dale (LaVon); children, Jack Jr. (Vicki), Brian Dean (Ruby), Cindy Jo (Louis Smith Jr.), and Lisa Ann (James Bryon); grandchildren, Adrianne (Amanda) Dillion, Megan, Jason, Nancy, and Lucas (Alicia); great-grandchildren, Taylor, Hayley, Silas, and Landyn; extended de Leon and Burks family; special friends, Ruth and David Moore, and Nathan, Evan, Jacob, and Jordyn Moreland, whom he loved dearly as his own grandchildren. Jack and his family would also like to thank Pastor Mike Back and the StoryPoint Senior Living Community for their friendship, support, and care. 

Jack was a man who never forgot to send a greeting card and prayed for his loved ones without ceasing; he will be remembered each time we enjoy a good cup of black coffee, a game of dice, or a classic Western film. Jack will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of service, faith, and love will live on through the countless lives he touched. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his Savior, his wife, and other loved ones who have passed on before him. How good God has been to all of us who had the privilege of loving and being loved by this dear man! 

A celebration service of a life well lived will be held in Jack's honor on April 22, 2023 at Hillock Fellowship Church. Visitation hours will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Services will begin at 12:00 pm with committal immediately following.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Matthew 25: Ministries at https://m25m.org or to Hilock Fellowship Church at 805 Corr Road Columbus, OH 43207.  Arrangements by JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME.

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