Leon Dwight Malson was born on June 4, 1941, on a farm northeast of Crawford. He passed away at the age of 83 on November 27, 2024, at his home in Roll, Oklahoma.
He grew up on the family farm west of Crawford where he graduated in 1959. From a young age, Leon displayed independence, a remarkable work ethic and a drive to succeed. His first jobs were helping with broom corn, cotton and milking cows. At 14, he joined the harvest crew, beginning a lifelong connection to farming and ranching. He joined the Army Reserves in 1963 answering the call to serve his country.
Leon married Janet Gibson on July 3, 1965. Together, they built a home financed by hauling hay. Throughout his life, Leon wore many hats. He hauled oil near Laverne, dug telephone poles alongside Thoral Shaw, bought and delivered hay, hauled cattle from South Florida and eventually became successful in the stocker cattle business. He entered the oil and gas industry with Curtis Castle in 1988, purchasing neglected wells and turning them into profitable ventures. In 2001, he drilled his own well, marking another milestone in his career.
Leon’s passions extended beyond work. He loved restoring old vehicles and farm equipment. He and Janet traveled the world with their Model A club, visiting destinations like Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Australia, Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and multiple places across the United States. His favorite trip was driving the Model A to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. Ever the adventurer, Leon had enjoyed trips earlier in his life riding his Harley-Davidson on road trips, including journeys to Sturgis.
Leon cherished every moment spent with his children, Sheri Anderson (and husband Chip), Randy Malson (and wife Cindy), and Tim Malson (and wife Lori). He took great pride in his grandchildren – McKenzie Miller (and husband Kolby), Chelsea Walkup (and husband Morgan), Chase Anderson (and wife Annika), Wiley Malson (and wife Abbey) and Molly Thurston (and
husband Andy) – and delighted in seeing them drive his old cars to proms and leave their weddings in style. His great-grandchildren – June Walkup, Heidi Walkup, Charlotte Miller, Griffin Miller, Mallory Anderson and Talley Malson were a source of joy as well.
Leon was baptized into Christ when he was in high school. Over the last 25 or more years his faith became deep and personal creating a change evident to all those that knew him. He was generous to those in need and didn’t want the spotlight on himself. He was a devoted member of the Durham Church of Christ.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel and Lowell Malson, and his sister, Loree Summers. Leon is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet, his children, grandchildren, great¬ grandchildren and sister, Darla O’Hair.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Leslie, Cayla, Peggy, Linda, and Rachel for the loving care they gave Leon the past several years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Silent Home Cemetery, c/o Nyla Coogle, 8172 N. 1790 Rd., Crawford, Oklahoma 73638.