Leon Jack Xanders Obituary (1925)

Leon Jack Xanders, 97 of Columbus, GA, formerly of Eaton Rapids, MI, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 11:30AM in the Edgewood Hall Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, in Columbus, GA. Born on April 11, 1925, in Lansing Michigan and adopted by the late, Leslie Xanders and Myrtle Hammond (Xanders). Jack was raised on a farm where he would tend to the crops and animals daily. When he was 18, he joined the United States army and served his country proudly from 1943 until 1945. During his time in the Army, Jack received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, 2 bronze service stars, a Good Conduct medal, a Victory Medal, and received a Purple Heart from the Battle of the Bulge. Jack was a "jack of all trades", anything with a motor he could fix. He enjoyed cars, airplanes and was even a small aircraft pilot. He loved playing the accordion, and was very good on piano. He even designed and built his own house on an airstrip. This is just a few of his many hobbies, talents and accomplishments and in his opinion NO day was complete without ice cream!! Jack was a Baptist by faith and attended Grace Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. He also attended South Baptist church for many years, when his first wife was alive. Other than his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Kathleen Mary Xanders and his 2nd wife Helen Noreen Xanders; 2 sisters, Joann Marie and Mary Ann; 2 daughters, Sharon Lou Xanders and Mary Jo Xanders. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Jackie McMurphy (Mark); grandchildren, Sharon Lou Tweedie (Donald), Michelle Lynn Tweedie (Lane), Rebecca Ann Mickschl; great grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Ryan and Brianna, his brother Edward Xanders, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. To leave an online condolence to the Xanders family, please visit our website at www.skinnerfuneralhome.com