Leo Louis Cahoon, 96, of Highland, passed away at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Leo was born October 23, 1921 in Shoal Creek Township, IL, the son of Letto L. and Anna Jane (Strohkirch) Cahoon. He married Freda Virginia Himes on April 3, 1944 in Alton, IL, and they have been happily married for over 73 years.
Leo proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He served in the African and Middle Eastern Theatres, as well as Europe, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. After serving, Leo went to work for Emerson Electric, and then Curtis Wright in St. Louis. He would later retire from Alton Box Board in Highland. Leo also operated his hog farm, west of Greenville, for many years. He was a dedicated member of the Highland VFW, where he cooked for their events, and longtime member of the Highland Southern Baptist Church. Leo enjoyed woodworking, building rocking horses and wooden trains for his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy Cahoon Lucas; sisters, June Clifton and Crystal Carter; and brother, John C. Cahoon.
Leo is survived by his wife, Freda V. Cahoon of Highland; daughter, Annabell (husband, Charles Jospeh) Kehn of Ridge Manor, FL; sons, Stephen and Spencer of Cahoon, both of Enid, OK; grandchildren, Matthew Cahoon-Loher of College Station, TX, Jessica Cahoon of Enid, OK, Michelle (husband, Ronnie) Phillibrick of Holly, OK, Peter Cahoon of Enid, OK, and Leo Cahoon of Guthrie, OK; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Bonnie Koch of Phoenix, AZ; sister-in-law, Virginia Cahoon of Highland, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Highland Southern Baptist Church, 12424 IL-143, Highland, IL 62249, with Pastor Billy Blackmon officiating. Military Rites will be provided at the church, following the ceremony. The family receive friends following the ceremony at the luncheon being held at church.
Interment will follow the funeral luncheon at 2:00 p.m., at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to: The Highland Southern Baptist Church, 12424 IL-143, Highland, IL 62249.
Ceremonies have been entrusted to Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 201 S. Main St., Sorento, IL 62086.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
