Dolly Leo Salmon

Dolly Leo Salmon, age 99, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 9:17 am Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Tri-County Care Center. 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Second Christian Church, Vandalia MO. Pastor Melvin McCaleb will officiate. Burial will be in the Vandalia Cemetery.

Visitation celebrating Dolly Leo Salmon will be held at 11:00 am until the time of service.

Dolly was born on January 28, 1924, in Vandalia, Missouri the son of John L. Salmon and Gertrude (Turley) Salmon.

He was united in marriage to Frances in 1948 in Vandalia MO. She precedes him in death.

Survivors include one brother; Matthew Salmon of Vandalia MO, sisters; Inez McPike of Vandalia MO, Lillian Johnson of Vandalia MO and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Frances Salmon, children; William Hawkins, Vern Hawkins, Gerald Hawkins, Joanne Drives and Wilma Griggsby. Brothers; Ben Salmon, Jesse Salmon, Robert and Clemon Salmon.  Sisters; Virgie Overton, Bezolia Salmon and Mayme Salmon.

Dolly Leo honorably served his country in the Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945.  He spent time in Germany and France where he fought at the beaches of Normandy.  He was awarded two Bronze Stars, Bronze arrowhead and many service medals for conduct and overseas campaigns.

Professionally Dolly worked as a Laborer for Harbison Walker Refractories as a clipper saw operator and retired after 39 years in 1985.

Dolly was an active member of the Second Christian Church and served as an elder, superintendent of services, and Sunday school.  He served on the selective service board for years.  He loved to attend the "choir days" at all kinds of churches and loved to attend the "fun" days at the senior center.  Dolly Leo loved to hunt, fish and especially loved to cook chicken with his close friend Wes Colette.

Pallbearers will be Walter Salmon, Devin McCaleb, Wendell Wheeler, Mike Reynolds, Sam Chapman, Bob Giltner and Bransen Salmon.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Deacons of the Church, Art Wiser, Terry Joe Holt, William Wheeler, Ronnie Greene and all of Dolly Leo's relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Christian Church, in care of Waters Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Dolly memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com