Charles Leon York Sr.

Charles Leon York Sr., age 83, passed away on June 26, 2026, at Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri. He was born in Sturkie, Arkansas, and grew up in Moody, Missouri, where he learned the value of hard work, determination, and helping others.

 

Leon proudly served his country in the National Guard from 1960 to 1968. After his service, he began an extensive career with Irby Construction, where he worked for 18 years. During that time, Leon was promoted to supervisor and led crews building modern electric transmission lines that are the core of our electrical grid across the United States which are still in service today.

 

After completing his career with Irby Construction, Leon returned to West Plains, where he began many different ventures. Over the years, Leon owned a flea market, "The Gut Buster Café," and pursued many other opportunities. Leon's heart remained in construction. He loved running dozers, building ponds, and doing any kind of construction-related work. Leon could move from a dozer to a backhoe and keep right on going; there was not a piece of equipment he could not run. Many ponds throughout Howell County and the surrounding areas stand as lasting reminders of his skill and hard work. Leon thoroughly enjoyed running equipment.

 

On March 21, 2000, Leon married the love of his life, Keaka, in Salem, Arkansas. The Lord blessed them with twenty-six wonderful years of marriage.

 

Leon was a hard worker and a generous man. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need and was often the first to show up when help was needed. Leon volunteered with the Howell County Rural Fire Department in West Plains and served as a board member.

 

Leon enjoyed fishing, and in his later years, when he had more time, raised mules and paint horses. He loved hooking them onto the wagon and spending time outdoors. Leon found God, was saved, and began attending Bethel Baptist Church before later attending Pottersville Baptist Church with Keaka.

 

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Fred York Sr. & Inez Oliver, his two brothers: Donald Gene York & Fred York Jr., his sister Brenda York Lipper, and two daughters Rebecca & Vicky.

 

Leon is survived by his loving wife Keaka, daughter Madonna Tackitt of West Plains, Missouri, daughter Tina Noyes (Steven) of Parker, Kansas, son Carl York (Natalie) of West Plains, Missouri, daughter Tammie (Steve), daughter Teresa Nicholson (Marvin) of Mtn. View, Missouri, son Charles Leon York Jr. (Valerie) of Rineyville, Kentucky, 19 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren, plus so many other extended family and friends. 

 

Leon left his mark on the earth in many ways, but his everlasting mark will be on all the hearts he touched, the people he helped, and the huge family he dearly loved. Leon will never be forgotten, and he lives on through his family legacy.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, July 1, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Howell Rural Fire Department, 1949 East State Route K, West Plains, Missouri.

 

Arrangements by Always Faithful Memorial Services, West Plains, Missouri.