Leon Stanley Mayes of Branson, MO, son of Max and Florence (Coucke) Mayes, was born September 8, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, and departed this life in Springfield, Missouri, on November 29, 2023, at the age of 85.

Leon grew up in Harper Woods, MI and graduated from St. Ambrose High School (Detroit) in 1956. Leon enlisted in the US Air Force in 1957 and served through 1960 as an Air Traffic Controller. He trained in Biloxi, MS and was based in Fairbanks, AK and Oscoda, MI before receiving an Honorable Discharge.

Leon worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a civilian Air Traffic Controller in Aurora, Illinois until his retirement in 1993. He moved to the Branson area (Kimberling City) in 1995 from Aurora. He enjoyed working part-time at Silver Dollar City, on the coin press, for several years after his FAA retirement.

Leon married the love of his life, Josefina Arambula (Josie) on January 14, 2019. He was loved and adored by many, especially his love, Josie. Leon was the type of person that brought comfort and love to every person he knew.

Leon was a member of the Kimberling City Elks Lodge & enjoyed many dinners there with Josie.  He enjoyed traveling, spending time on Table Rock Lake & time with family.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Florence Mayes, his daughter, Anne Marie Mayes, his sister Joan Bastuba, & his brother Bill Mayes.

He is survived by his wife, Josefina Mayes of Branson, MO, of the home, son Leon (Lee), Jr. (Cindy) of Idabel, OK, son Rudy Arambulo (Amy) of Branson, MO, Jessica Baker (Rich) of Travis Air Force Base, CA, daughter Yesenia Brown of Branson, MO, sister Sylviann Seefelt (Bob) of Sterling Heights, MI, sister Diane Richardson (Jerry) of Roseville, MI & sister-in-law Janet Mayes of Warren, MI, 20  grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, a host of nephews, nieces & friends.

No services are planned at this time.  Burial with honors will take place at a later date (planned for June, 2024) at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.  Cremation is under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.