Leon Dee Murdock

LEON DEE MURDOCK Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident Leon Dee Murdock will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12 at Summit Ridge Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Mr. Gene Holder will officiate. Visitation has been set for Tuesday evening from 5 to 6 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Leon was born May 30, 1935 in Grand Junction, Colo. the son of Wayne Thompson and Willa Mary "Billie" (Brock) Murdock. He passed away at Vista Grande Inn on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at the age of 77. Leon proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. After discharge he joined the American Legion and for a number of years was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. On April 26, 1979 Leon married Viola May Ledford in Cortez, sharing 33 years of marriage. Many will remember Leon from his days at Job Services helping job seekers to find employment. An advocate of education, Leon had served on the RE-1 School Board as well as a teacher's aide at Mesa School. Surviving Leon are his beloved wife, Viola Murdock of Cortez; two sons, Curt Murdock and wife, Karen of Mesa, Ariz. and Gene Holder and wife, Pam of Fruita, Colo.; and three daughters, Sharon Singer and husband, Alan of Phoenix, Ariz., Betty Welch and husband, Val of Cortez, and Leslie Considin and husband, Mike of Illinois. Also surviving Leon are 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Barbara Blevins of California and Jennie Hinders and husband, Tom of Virginia. Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Billie Murdock; and by a daughter, Tracy Holder. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Leon Murdock with Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75, 320 N. Harrison Ave., Cortez.