Leon Paul Philpot

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leon Paul Philpot, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was 88 years old.

Born on October 29, 1937, in Limerick, Maine, Leon was the son of the late Andrew and Helen Philpot. He was preceded in death by six brothers and five sisters. He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Lela Philpot, with whom he shared a life full of love, service, and adventure.

Leon is also survived by his children: Leon (Terri) Philpot II, Brian (Patti) Philpot, and Alicia (Mike) Gregory. He was a proud grandfather to Tara (Jacob) Gilcrease, Benjamin (Cali) Philpot, Nicholas (Martha) Philpot, Cody Philpot, Dillan (Jessica) Philpot, Michael Gregory, Sara Gregory, and Christina Gregory, as well as nine cherished great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Priscilla Wentworth, and his brother, Daniel Philpot.

Throughout his life, Leon and Lela called many places home, including Fairfield, Connecticut; Arkansas City, Kansas; Mt. Pleasant, Texas; Catacamas, Honduras; Decatur, Alabama; and Chapin, South Carolina. Most notably, they spent five years in Honduras devoted to mission work, touching countless lives through their faith and compassion.

Leon proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves. His faith was central to his life, and he was a dedicated member of the Church of Christ. Wherever he lived, he remained actively involved in his community, making a lasting impact through his kindness and generosity. Leon had a remarkable gift for connecting with others—he never met a stranger, and it often seemed that everyone knew his name.

An avid fisherman, Leon found great joy in nature. He also enjoyed taking long walks around his neighborhood with the family dogs, Bama and Bear, often stopping to visit with friends and neighbors. He had a special way of making everyone feel like family. He was always looking for something to do, and if things were quiet for too long, you could count on him to ask with a smile, “What are we going to do?”—a question his family heard so often it became a beloved running joke. His warm, welcoming spirit will be deeply missed.

Leon and Lela spent the last 12 years of their lives in Chapin, South Carolina, surrounded by their daughter and her family. Those years were especially meaningful, filled with time together, shared moments, and the everyday joys that meant so much to him.

Leon will be forever remembered for his love, his laughter, and his unwavering faith. He leaves behind a legacy not only of service, but of kindness, connection, and a deep love for his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.