William Leon Monehan

William Leon Monehan, 94, passed away on November 23, 2025, in Mount Vernon, Missouri. His family and friends grieve his loss deeply yet rejoice knowing he is now in the presence of his Heavenly Father for all eternity.

Leon was born in Kennett, Missouri, on June 14, 1931, to William Matthew and Susie Monehan. One of twelve children, he grew up in Fisk, Missouri, where he attended school and learned the value of hard work early in life. As a young man, he worked alongside his family as a farmhand and enlisted initially in the U.S. Army in 1950. Before attending basic training, however, he was selected by the United States Marine Corps and transferred into the Marine Corps for active duty.

Leon entered active duty with the Marine Corps in September 1951 and served honorably until April 1954, including foreign service in Korea. He attained the rank of Corporal and served as a Provisional Technician Helper. For his courageous and dedicated service during the Korean Conflict, he received the Purple Heart Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

On September 8, 1956, Leon married the love of his life, Venita Lucille Mohr, in Hernando, Mississippi. Together, they shared 67 devoted years and built a loving home while raising two children, Jerry Leon and Debra Marie.

Leon enjoyed a simple and fulfilling life centered on faith, family, and the outdoors. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, and planting gardens. He also took great joy in “piddling” around his small acreage—always finding something to fix, improve, or tinker with. He retired from Rowe Furniture in 1993 after 23 years of dedicated service and later volunteered at his church and served as an election worker in local county elections.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Leon cherished time with his family above all else. He remained physically active for many years, faithfully walking every day. Throughout his life, he was deeply committed to his church, serving in many roles, including Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon. He was a current member of Little Brown Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff.

Leon was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Venita Lucille Mohr Monehan; his parents, William Matthew and Susie Monehan; granddaughter, Tara Monehan; sister, Polly Stitz; and brothers, Cleo, Eugene, L.C., and Larry Monehan.

He is survived by those he loved dearly: son, Jerry Monehan (Diane) of St. Louis, MO; daughter, Debra Donnellan of Springfield, MO; grandson, Jerry Christopher Monehan (Heather) of Chesterfield, MO; granddaughters, Brittany Donnellan Collins (Joseph III) of Alexandria, Virginia, and Bailey Donnellan of Springfield, MO; step-grandson, Danny Worley, and step–great-granddaughter, Annie Worley, of St. Louis, MO; and brothers Leroy, Joe Wayne, Glen, Ronnie (Florence), Dale, and Richard (Donna) Monehan.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Fowler-Sullivan Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Ash Hill Cemetery.

Leon lived a long and honorable life—one marked by service, love, faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. He faced every season with quiet strength, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. To those who knew him, he was a steady, comforting presence whose kindness was felt more than spoken. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the example he set, and the countless memories he leaves behind. All who were blessed to know him will carry a piece of him forever.