Leon Henbest

(From Parker Mortuary)

Leon E. Henbest, age 86, of Carl Junction, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Leon was born in Cassville on August 27, 1935. He grew up an attended school in Cassville graduating from Cassville High School Class of 1955. 

After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. During his time in the service, he completed four overseas tour deployments in Germany and was a decorated Vietnam Veteran serving in three tour campaigns. He retired from the Army as a Major after honorably serving his country for 22 years. 

 During his time in the military, he was united in marriage to Linda Attuso, on December 19, 1964 in Joplin. Together they enjoyed living in Germany on the military base often traveling to see other parts of the country embracing the beauty and culture of the country. 

After retirement from the US Army, he then went to work for United States Postal Service in Joplin until his retirement after 19 years of service. Leon enjoyed bowling and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. He was a member of the Spring City Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Linda (Attuso) Henbest, of Joplin; two daughters, Rebecca Hayes, and her husband, Bret Hayes, of Woodbridge, VA, and Laura VanBuren, and her husband, Dr. Cliff VanBuren, of Conway, AR; and two granddaughters, Britany Hayes-Pablo, and her husband, Matthew, of Azusa, CA, and Rachael Hayes, of Woodbridge, VA. 

Leon was preceded in death by five sisters; four brothers; one granddaughter, Ava Renee VanBuren; and two twin sons, David and Daryl Henbest.

Open viewing for friends and family will be available on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Parker Mortuary during normal operational hours of 9:00 Am until 7:00 PM. Family will gather at the mortuary from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Leon to the Potter Children’s Home of Bowling Green, KY and may be entrusted to the mortuary.