Leon Ooley

LEON RAY OOLEY

DECEMBER 30, 1936 – JANUARY 16, 2021

 
Leon Ray Ooley was born on December 30, 1936 in Washington, IN to Guy and Leona Ooley and he passed away in Hanford, CA on January 16, 2021 at the age of 84.
 
Leon grew up in Exeter and graduated from Exeter Union High School in 1954.  He married his high school sweetheart Monica Ooley in Exeter on June 8, 1955 and they were happily married for 53 years.  Leon retired from Southern California Edison and was always very active in the community. He was a member of several organizations such as the Exeter Kiwanis, the Exeter Community Service Guild, and was a 30-year member of the Exeter Lions Club.  He also co-chaired the Exeter Centennial Committee, served on the Exeter Chamber of Commerce Board and was a longtime President of the Exeter Historical Museum and Art Gallery Association.  Additionally, Leon was elected to the Exeter City Council in 2000 and was then later re-elected two more times.  He also served as Mayor of the City of Exeter from 2002-2004 and a second term from 2008-2010, which is when he decided to step down from public service and enjoy time with family, friends and traveling.  He said he was honored to be a part of multiple city projects throughout the years including replacing seven miles of old water mains in the city, helping the museum and gallery receive a grant for tuition and working on the city’s Southwest Plan, which encompasses more than 320 acres.
 
Leon, thank you.  You lived a good life that demonstrated true commitment and how much you loved your family, your friends and your community of Exeter.  You will be missed dearly and fondly remembered always.
 
Leon is survived by his grandchildren Shannon Mayfield, Timothy Ooley Jr, Jeremiah Ooley, Natasha Ooley, Jaime Ooley, Brandon Ooley, Rachelle Ooley and Candice Ooley and his 4 great grandchildren, and his daughters-in-law Elaina Ooley Price and Angela Ooley Farris.  Leon was preceded in death by his loving wife Monica Janice Ooley, and his sons Timothy Randall Ooley and Jaime Kevin Ooley.
 
Graveside Service for Leon will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 2:00pm, at the Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Ave, Exeter.
 
Online condolences:  www.smithfamilychapel.com
 
In Honor and Memory of Leon, donations can be made to:

Exeter Courthouse Gallery Historical Museum:        ExeterCourthouseCA@gmail.com
Pink Ladies Thrift Shop c/o Exeter Community Service Guild, PO Box 635, Exeter, CA 93221
 

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