Leon Paul Edmiston, 77, of Warren, PA., passed away on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 1, 1948, in Warren, PA. He was the son of Foster and Dorothy Kemmer Edmiston. Leon was the most honest man you’d ever meet. He never told a lie, even a tiny one. He believed in telling the truth no matter what. He was a very quiet man of few words; his favorite saying was “keep it simple stupid.” That often got him in trouble when someone thought he was calling them stupid! Leon attended Lincoln Elementary School, Beaty Jr. High School and was a 1966 graduate of Warren High School, Warren, PA. Leon worked at Collins Pine and PDM after graduation until he was drafted and entered the U.S. Army at Ft. Dix, N.J. on January 3, 1968. He served in the Vietnam War, while in the service, he was in 3rd PLT B, CO 3/60th 9th division. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Army Commendation Medal, 2 Air Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters and a V device, Vietnam Unit Citation, was an expert rifle 1st class gunner, CIB, Army Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Civil Nations Honor Medal Citation First Class. Leon was honorably discharged from the Army in December of 1969, as a E6 Staff Sergeant. Leon was often told he looked like a decorated Christmas tree when they saw him in uniform.
After his discharge, Leon worked for Pennzoil as an oil pumper until he went to work for PGE, when Pennzoil sold out. From there he went to ARG and was also an oil pumper and plant man until he had to retire in 2006, due to health issues caused by agent orange.
Leon was an exceptional wood intarsia person and loved making the military ribbons and giving them to guys who were in the service. People were always approaching him to make certain items for them.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son, Sloan, grandson, Josh, and son-in-law, Dave. Leon liked most sports and was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Those games were always great to go to Pittsburgh and sit in the bleachers, and watch them with him, but it was more fun to see how many balls he could catch that flew his way. He always made a target on his wife’s head of where he thought it would land, so she always ducked down and he was always right, it would’ve landed on her head, to him that was funny, and he always got a laugh out of it. He was even asked once when he caught the ball to be someone’s bodyguard. Leon liked going to Virginia Beach and going Charter Fishing, where he caught a Cobia, and was given an award for the huge size of the fish. While there they always went to the old time phot place and had a good time deciding what crazy outfits they were going to have their picture taken. Leon especially enjoyed the trip they made to see their kids and grandkids, and when they would come home for a visit. He especially enjoyed the time he got to spend with his grandkids and great grandkids. He was always so proud of his kids, and grandkids. For many years, Leon has enjoyed Tuesday morning breakfast at Peppermill with the guys and he always made sure, if possible, all Drs appointments and such were never on a Tuesday morning. He rarely missed a Wednesday night AA meeting.
He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Nancy Ann Barney Edmiston whom he married August 14, 1976, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Mt. Jewett, PA., his Daughters – Tammy Edmiston Sweigart (Mark) of Jonesborough, TN., Rosie Edmiston Bortz (David) of Morganton, N.C., 1 Son – Sloan Edward Edmiston (Tracie) of Mifflinburg, PA., 1 Brother – Gregory Edmiston of Bandera, TX., 1 Sister – Lynda Edmiston McHenry of Shippenville, PA., Grandchildren – Britney Sweigart, Hannah Bortz, Mackenzie Sweigart Arnett (Bradley), Joshua Bortz, Step Granddaughters , Amanda and Krystal Biel, Great Grandchildren – Suri Ann Hicks, Tatum Wren Arnett, Kelly Blake Arnett, and 4 Step Great Grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 4 Brothers – Gary Emory, Danny, and Ed Edmiston, his brother-in-law’s, David McHenry and Edward Robert Barney.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M A funeral service will be conducted there on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park where full military honors will be conducted with members of the Sheffield/Clarendon V.F.W. and Warren American Legion Funeral Honor Guard and the U.S. Army personnel. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
Fly high my Friend. Free at last, free at last !!
Leon was one of the best people I have had the privilege of calling a friend. I am proud to have him as a brother in law. You will be missed my friend
I enjoyed our visits with our joking and laughing and the great food you cooked on the grill. I always thought very highly of you as you was the best Uncle. You will be sadly missed. I love you Uncle Leon.
Always enjoyed waiting on you both at the bank. Such a nice Man sending hugs and prayers to you Nancy and family
I don’t have to like you sum b*tches…but I have to love you. Love you Leon…and I will miss you. See you again someday my friend
FB made us all family, not blood but the bond could not have been stronger. I will miss Leon’s funny comments – his love for animals and his dedication to Nancy and his family. We had many conversations while playing games and helping each other with things we needed to progress in the games. His love for our country, his service to our country – a simple thank you does not seem adequate but it is all that I can give. We will be together again, God has you in his arms now Leon – Love you –
Uncle Leon was one of a kind. Very quiet but always kind. He was very loved and will be missed.
With deepest sympathy to Nancy and family on your loss of your dear Leon. We always loved to see Leon at the 3/60, Bravo Co reunions. He was a good man. May Leon rest in peace and comfort in the loving arms of our Lord.
Leon, my friend: You fought the good fight and gave it all you had. Your battle is over soldier. It is time to stand down now. My friend, it is with the deepest sorrow that I learned of your passing. My heart is filled with both sorrow and joy. Sorrow that you leave this world and all those you love and who love you; Joy that you are no longer suffering but now reside with our Lord in His heavenly home. We will see you again one day.
My brother called and told me Leon had passed away. It was very sad news. Leon and I grew up together in Tiona, and we were very close friends during these years. We had a chance to catch up about ten years ago over breakfast in Warren, and talked about the “good old days”. Leon was a wonderful person and I know he is with our Lord. Rest in peace my good friend.