John Leo Blackmon, 94, of Indianola, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at South Sunflower County Hospital.

Leo was born January 19, 1929, in Meridian, to Walter and Minnie Lee Blackmon. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran and served in the Korean Conflict, where he received a Purple Heart.  He worked at Mississippi Valley Gas Company as a service technician for many years prior to his retirement.  He also enjoyed coaching Indianola Little League teams in his spare time.  Leo was a devoted member and deacon at Second Baptist Church in Indianola and was currently attending Delta Revival Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, John Steven Blackmon.

Leo is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mercedes McCrory Blackmon of Indianola; two daughters, Amy Stewart of Chicago, Illinois and Renee (Ron) LeLeux of Cypress, Texas; half sister, Doris Davidson of Meridian; two grandchildren, Abby Ingram and Jonathan Blackmon; and three great-grandchildren, Richard Ingram, Andrew Ingram, and Haley Blackmon.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Burton Funeral Home with Rev. Duane Keith officiating. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.