Leon Respress

E. Leon Respress of Frostproof passed away Thursday, March 29, 2012 at his residence.

He was born April 7, 1928 in Frostproof to the late Horace Iverson & Caroline Marie-Anna (Carroll) Respress; and he was a lifelong resident of the area. In his youth, he was a Boy Scout and the projectionist for the Ramon Theatre for many years. Following his military service in Korea with the U.S. Army he returned to Frostproof and served his community in many capacities. He was the former Frostproof Police Chief, served on the City Council and as a deputy constable in South Polk County. He was a member & served as a deacon at the Corinth Primitive Baptist Church in Bereah and enjoyed fishing. He was a field foreman and citrus buyer for Tropicana for over 25 years, following his retirement he became an independent citrus contractor.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jessie Respress; daughter, Rhonda Respress Garcia (Frank) of Frostproof; sons, Ernest Respress Jr (Lynn) of Frostproof, Grady Respress (Donna) of Frostproof and Richard Respress of Frostproof; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 pm Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home in Frostproof. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Monday, April 2, 2012 at the First Baptist Church in Frostproof. Interment will follow at the Silver Hill Cemetery in Frostproof.

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