It is with a heavy heart, we at Benton Utilities announce the passing of part of our retired work family, Leon Wilson. 

It was a privilege for us to have him as an employee and it was an honor to get to work alongside him.  Leon had a deep well of knowledge regarding the Utilities, City politics, and the City in general.  He knew who used to live where, who married or was related to whom, and a good story about almost everyone in town.  Leon showed himself to be a dedicated worker, a caring co-worker, a loving friend and was an asset to Benton Utilities.

Leon epitomized the dedication to the job he performed here.  The mutual love he shared with his beloved wife, Madeline, was unsurpassed and not easily rivaled. 

Leon worked for the City of Benton Street Department from July 1978 through July 1980 when he experienced a layoff.  Leon Wilson was next hired in the Wastewater Department December 12, 1980 as a Laborer to work 3 days a week, weekends, and holidays at $4.67 per hour. At that time, Ed Gregory was the Manager. Leon was promoted to Apprentice Operator June 20, 1984 and then to Operator I on January 1, 1996.  In February 1999, Leon was promoted to Lead Man of the Line Crew.  January 3, 2000, he was made Wastewater Collections Manager by then Mayor Lynn Moore, where he served for 13+ years; a total of almost 35 years with the City working his way up from a Laborer to Manager of the Benton Utilities Wastewater Collections Department.

May God’s grace and peace be to all that loved him as well as our entire work family as we mourn the passing of Leon.  We are praying for Madeline and the entire Wilson family.

Leon Wilson Obituary

(Died July 25, 2015)

Leon Wilson, age 56 of Benton passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015. He was born October 15, 1958 in Benton, Arkansas. He was a member of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church. Leon was preceded in death by: his parents, Dall and Phasteen (Pettit) Wilson; two sisters Marie Wilson and Elaine Banks; and three brothers, Albert, Charles and Harry Wilson.

He is survived by: his wife Madeline “Susie” Wilson; children, Daniel Standridge (Cody), David Standridge (Chelcia), Jessica Robinson (Forrest), Michael Wilson, Chance Wilson (Ashley); brothers, Dall (Phyllis), Robert (Wendy), Ronnie (Donna), Kenny (Vickie), one sister, Barbara Wilson, 10 beautiful grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 at West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church with services beginning at 3:00 p.m. Bro. Melvin Burris will be officiating.

http://www.ashbyfuneralhome.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=3254759&fh_id=10574