Leon Edmiston
Leon Edmiston
Leon Paul Edmiston, 77, of Warren, PA., passed away on Wednesday morning, Nov. 26, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 1, 1948, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Foster and Dorothy Kemmer Edmiston. Leon was the most honest man you’d ever meet. He never told a lie, even a tiny one. He believed in telling the truth no matter what. He was a very quiet man of few words; his favorite saying was “keep it simple stupid.” That often got him in trouble when someone thought he was calling them stupid! Leon attended Lincoln Elementary School, Beaty Jr. High School and was a 1966 graduate of Warren High School, Warren, PA. Leon worked at Collins Pine and PDM after graduation until he was drafted and entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Dix, N.J. on Jan. 3, 1968. He served in the Vietnam War, while in the service, he was in 3rd PLT B, CO 3/60th 9th division. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Army Commendation Medal, 2 Air Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters and a V device, Vietnam Unit Citation, was an expert rifle 1st class gunner, CIB, Army Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Nations Honor Medal Citation First Class. Leon was honorably discharged from the Army in December of 1969, as a E6 Staff Sergeant. Leon was often told he looked like a decorated Christmas tree when they saw him in uniform.
After his discharge, Leon worked for Pennzoil as an oil pumper until he went to work for PGE, when Pennzoil sold out. From there he went to ARG and was also an oil pumper and plant man until he had to retire in 2006, due to health issues caused by agent orange.
Leon was an exceptional wood intarsia person and loved making the military ribbons and giving them to guys who were in the service. People were always approaching him to make certain items for them.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son, Sloan, grandson, Josh, and son-in-law, Dave. Leon liked most sports and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Those games were always great to go to Pittsburgh and sit in the bleachers, and watch them with him, but it was more fun to see how many balls he could catch that flew his way. He always made a target on his wife’s head of where he thought it would land, so she always ducked down and he was always right, it would’ve landed on her head, to him that was funny, and he always got a laugh out of it. He was even asked once when he caught the ball to be someone’s bodyguard. Leon liked going to Virginia Beach and going Charter Fishing, where he caught a Cobia, and was given an award for the huge size of the fish. While there they always went to the old time photo place and had a good time deciding what crazy outfits they were going to have their picture taken. Leon especially enjoyed the trip they made to see their kids and grandkids, and when they would come home for a visit. He especially enjoyed the time he got to spend with his grandkids and great grandkids. He was always so proud of his kids, and grandkids. For many years, Leon has enjoyed Tuesday morning breakfast at Peppermill with the guys and he always made sure, if possible, all Drs appointments and such were never on a Tuesday morning. He rarely missed a Wednesday night AA meeting.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Nancy Ann Barney Edmiston whom he married Aug. 14, 1976, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Mt. Jewett, PA., his Daughters – Tammy Edmiston Sweigart (Mark) of Jonesborough, TN., Rosie Edmiston Bortz (David) of Morganton, N.C., one Son – Sloan Edward Edmiston (Tracie) of Mifflinburg, PA., one Brother – Gregory Edmiston of Bandera, TX., one Sister – Lynda Edmiston McHenry of Shippenville, PA., Grandchildren – Britney Sweigart,
Hannah Bortz, Mackenzie Sweigart Arnett (Bradley), Joshua Borttz, Step Granddaughters , Amanda and Krystal Biel, Great Grandchildren – Suri Ann Hicks, Tatum Wren Arnett, Kelly Blake Arnett, and four Step Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four Brothers – Gary Emory, Danny, and Ed Edmiston, his brother-in-law’s, David McHenry and Edward Robert Barney.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East St., Warren, PA. on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, from 5:30 P.M. to 8 P.M A funeral service will be conducted there on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, at 11 A.M. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted with members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. and Warren American Legion Funeral Honor Guard and the U.S. Army personnel. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.