Leon Doucette, 82, passed away unexpectedly, on December 19, 2019 at Salina Regional Hospital. Leon was born on February 25, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Walter and Bertha Mae (Ellis) Doucette. He was raised in Slidell, Louisiana, the youngest of 13 children.
Leon arrived in Salina in 1959 on the advice of his older brother Bill. He married Betty Nixon and raised three children, Duane, Pam, and Angi. He obtained an AA machinist degree from Vo Tech and applied his knowledge to procure jobs at Long McArthur Ford, Sears and Westinghouse/Philips. While at Westinghouse, he obtained an advanced degree from Marymount College. In 1999, Leon retired from Philips after 33 years. Leon remarried in June of 1998 to Jean Carlisle and inherited three stepchildren, Jeff, Don, and Lisa.
Leon was an avid golfer who enjoyed golf trips with his buddies. For a number of years, he participated in volunteering at the PGA tournament in Pacific Palisades, CA on the scoring committee with his son, Duane. He was also a member of Salina Municipal Golf Course since 1970. Leon attended Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was once a stand in for the lead role in the military movie Up the Academy.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents and 12 siblings.
Leon is survived by his wife, Jean; three children, Duane (Patty, Pam, and Angi (Mike); three stepchildren, Jeff, Don (Jessica) and Lisa (Tyrone); five grandchildren, Dayton, Trajan, Walker, Tess, Finley; nine step-grandchildren, Brennan, Mayson, Jaxson, Seth, Zach, Riley, Logan, Tahlia, Tayton; and one step-great-grandchild, Memphis.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2020 at Ryan Mortuary. Visitation will be the hour before the service from 12 to 1 p.m. Inurnment will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina.
Following the service there will be a reception in The First Tee room at the Salina Municipal Golf Course.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The First Tee located at the at Salina Municipal Golf Course.