Andrew Robert Leon

Andrew “Andy” Robert Leon, 91, of Magnolia Springs, AL, passed away at his home on September 17, 2026.

Andy was born February 22, 1935, in New Orleans, LA, to Cora Morris Miller Leon McDuffie and Steven H. McDuffie. Throughout his life, Andy embraced every opportunity that came his way, from building a career that would take him around the world to meeting the love of his life, Margie Eslava. 

On October 22, 1960, Andy married Margie Eslava, beginning their 65-year marriage. Together, through love and devotion, they built a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, and a beautiful family. They did nearly everything together, from line dancing in their younger years to Saturday night BINGO at St. Patrick’s in Robertsdale. They cherished time with their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, and some of Andy’s happiest moments were when everyone was gathered around him. 

Through hard work, determination, continued education, and a strong work ethic Andy built a remarkable career in federal civil service. He served aboard the USS Dredge Hyde off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam conflict, where the vessel came under hostile fire. He later served as an Engineering Officer with the Military Sealift Command out of San Francisco aboard tankers, missile trackers, and aircraft carriers. His career eventually took him to Fremantle, Australia, where he served aboard the USNS El Tanin , an icebreaker supporting scientific expeditions into the Indian Ocean and Antarctic waters, and later aboard an oceanographic research vessel in the North Pacific and Arctic Circle waters. 

After returning to the Gulf Coast, Andy continued his federal career at the Public Works Center, Utilities Department, at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Beginning as a plant operator, he worked his way through numerous promotions, becoming Utilities General Foreman and later the station’s Environmental Officer, where he helped establish its first Hazardous Spill Response Team. 

In 1990, Andy’s career took him to NAS Adak, Alaska, where he was promoted to Superintendent of Utilities. Margie joined him there in January 1991, and together they spent four memorable years experiencing life in Alaska and beginning another chapter of their life together. In 1994, they returned to NAS Pensacola where Andy completed his federal career as Utilities Facilities Management Specialist; he retired in 1996 after 37 years of dedicated service. 

Retirement did not slow Andy’s commitment to serving others, he was a tremendous asset to his small community and always willing to help someone when needed. He spent many years driving the DAV van and transporting disabled veterans to the VA hospital in Biloxi and was a strong supporter of the military. Andy was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he served in many capacities, including Catholic Charities Fund Drive Chairman, helping raise thousands of dollars for those in need. He was deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight and Recording Secretary, and even in the final weeks of his life was selling the organization’s annual fundraising raffle tickets. He was a longtime and active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), holding numerous leadership positions, most notably President of NARFE Chapter 1340. 

Andy loved fishing and being on the water, dove hunting, playing his guitar, and, of course, a good party. A natural storyteller, he loved sharing stories about the “good old days,” especially those spent along the banks of the Magnolia River. He never met a stranger, and once you got to know him, you were family. Many of his children’s and grandchildren’s friends knew him simply as Pop or Granpop. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. 

Andy traveled the world, built an extraordinary career, and spent his life serving others, but his greatest pride was always his family. He was immensely proud and took great joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and accomplish their goals; there was nothing better to him than having everyone together. His stories, generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone in need will live on in the family and community he loved so dearly. 

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margie; his children, Angela Ray (Michael), Mark Leon (Shannon), Laurie Eberly (Tom), Myron Leon (Melonee), and Matt Leon (Melinda); his grandchildren, Tom Eberly, Rob Eberly (Kaitlyn), Priscilla Hayes (Chris), Brandi Wymer (Jimmy), Wesley Ray (Kate), Drew Leon, Parker Leon, Loren Ryan (Cody), Colin Ray, Cassady Leon, Mayes Leon, and Caydee Leon; nine great-grandchildren, Isis & Max Eberly, Fin & Kestrel Eberly, John & Anna Wymer, Declan Hardin & twins, Barrett & Mary James Ray; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home in Foley, AL, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services and burial will be held at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church on Friday, September 25, 2026, beginning with the Rosary at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Andy’s memory to the Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund 10800 St Johns Lane Foley, AL 36535 251-965-7719.