Leonard Compton

Elder Leonard Earl Compton, a devoted servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, went to his Heavenly Home on Thursday, June 20, 2024 with his family near him. Leonard was born on August 25, 1932 in Shirley, Missouri, a son to the late Hugh Francis Compton and Gertrude (Gibson) Compton. On December 6, 1951, Leonard married his love, Ruth Alice Franklin in Caldwell, Arkansas. They were blessed with seventy-two years of love and memories together.

Shortly after marriage, Leonard joined the United States Navy. He was a proud American. Leonard served his country from June 23, 1952 until June 15, 1956. During his time of service, Leonard was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his time in the military, Leonard and Ruthie resided in Arizona for a short time. They returned home to Potosi in 1963 when he began working as an accountant for Reed’s Chevrolet and Harry Chapman’s Accounting Service. In addition, he and Ruthie opened the first Sears Store. On September 14, 1976, Leonard started working for the Britton Brothers Funeral Home as a Funeral Director and later for DeClue Funeral Home until his retirement in 2023. Leonard surrendered to the ministry at a young age while living in Arizona. He served as pastor at many churches. Leonard was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Potosi. Leonard truly loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength. He has left an impact on many lives. The unconditional love Leonard had for his family, work family, and church family is a true testament of his life.

Those who remain to treasure his memory include his wife, Ruth Compton; six children: Terry Bruce Compton (wife, Tina), Sandra Denise Thornton (husband, Wayne); Greyling Earl Compton (wife, Marcia), Marcia Elaine Boyer, Kyle Anthony Compton, and Samuel Joseph Compton (wife, Brittney); his grandchildren: Stephania Chiytla (husband, Pete), Nicholas Compton, Jessica Lee, Kristen Wilkinson (husband, Anthony), James Thornton (wife, Stephanie), Ranese Freal (husband, Steve), Casey Thornton (wife, Ashley), Amanda Kamper (husband, Keith), Melissa Gaghan (husband, Josh), Courtney Lawson (husband, Jarrod), Tracy Farris, Kristina Cooper, Kaytlin Huskey (husband, Cameron), Aidan Boyer (Fiancé, Tiffany), Tristan Boyer, Brandilyn Compton, Bryton Compton, Rykki Compton, Valyree Compton, and Garrick Compton; and numerous great grandchildren; one brother, Marvin David Compton (wife, Shelba Jean); sisters-in-law, Patricia Graves and Janet Franklin; special family: Butch and Sharron Coleman. Leonard also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jim Boyer; siblings: George (Ethel) Compton, Charles (Mildred "Midge") Johnson, Lattie (Paul) Hawkins, Bertha Manion McDowell, William "Bill" (Fannie) Compton, Leone (Paul) Eye; many other dear family members.

A time of visitation was held on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at DeClue Funeral Home from 5 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service, celebrating Leonard’s life was held on Monday, June 24, at 11 am held in the DeClue Memorial Chapel with Pastor Jim Ainley officiating, assisted by his nephew, Alan Dale Franklin. Interment and final prayers were held at Sunset Hill Cemetery. Full Military Honors was presented by the U.S. Navy and VFW Post 6996. A Christian flag was presented by Elder Mike Jarvis and the Baptist Missionary Association for his service to the Lord and ministry.