Leon Winters, 82, a resident of New Orleans, departed this life Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014.

He was born in Lake Providence on Oct. 19, 1931, the second to the oldest of three boys.

Leon left New Orleans in 1970, when he was dared by his brother L.V. and a cousin to visit the bright lights and cold city of Chicago. One quick weekend turned into a lifetime of experience and job opportunities. He settled in Chicago and remained for more than 41 years. Leon had been ill for a long time, so with his children’s help he came back to New Orleans on Oct. 29, 2011, to be with his family. He lived with his daughter Emily until his passing.

Leon leaves to cherish his loving memories his wife and friend, Mildred Magee Winter; his five children, Emily, Mary Ann, Nicole, Eddie and Tommie Lee; nine grandchildren, Gordon, Jimmie, Veronica and Brianna Winters, Reginald Brown, Precious and John Magee, Toni Williams and Tiffany Mars; seven great-grandchildren, Gordon Jr., Chase, Leah, Hallie, Ashley and Cameron Winters and Wynter Williams; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Johnnie Lee Winter; his parents, Blanche Lindsey Winters and Eddie (Ed) Winters; and two brothers, Leroy Winters and Lawrence “L.V.” Winters.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 8 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 9 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Johnny B. Magee Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Magee Cemetery.

Please sign the guestbook at www.crainandsons.com.