Leon E. Tawney

Leon E. Tawney age 89 of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026 at The Brook of Cedar Springs. He was born December 28, 1936 in Ensley Township, MI the son of Wesley and Martha (Wright) Tawney.

Leon, the youngest of seven siblings, grew up near Ensley Center and Baptist Lake with his nieces and nephews as playmates. Upon graduating high school, he borrowed $100 from his sister to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a course in surveying on the recommendation of one of his high school teachers who helped him get into the program. After an intense training course, he was hired by the State of Michigan to work on a road construction crew as a surveyor.

After moving his wife Maggie and kids around the state following the State’s job assignments, in 1967 he decided to plant roots in Cedar Springs. Leon worked for the State of Michigan 35 years, retired as an inspector. He then worked for various consulting firms as a construction supervisor for many years until Maggie needed full time care.

Also, in 1967 he purchased a home and 40 acres for his folks to live out their last days, borrowing the money for the purchase from a family friend. Leon and Maggie built their family home in 1972 and this was their residence until 2019, when Leon moved next door to a zero-step house.

After retiring he traveled with Maggie to Branson on several occasions and the two became snowbirds to Maranatha Village for many years, ultimately purchasing a home there.

In 2008 when Maggie was permanently paralyzed due to a MRSA attack on her spine, he tirelessly cared for her for many years. After Maggie’s passing Leon married Eva and they continued their migratory patterns until Leon’s Alzheimer’s progressed too far.

The family rests in the knowledge that Leon’s memory has been made whole upon his passing and look to the day they can talk with him again

Surviving are his wife, Eva; children, Matthew (Carmen) Tawney, Sam (Marci) Tawney, Michael (Carol) Tawney, Kenda (Brian) Baskerville; 17 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret and son, David.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastors Sam Tawney and Joshua Tanner officiating. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Croton Township in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Maranatha Baptist Church, 12786 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.