Visitation Information

Leon Waller, Sr., "Toy"

Passed away on January 8, 2020

The life of Leon Waller Sr. began on August 29, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. He was one of two children (Edward Wilford Waller, biological parent) raised in a household filled with love and support by Vivian and stepfather James Rowland. He learned from an early age the importance of family. Leon graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1967. After high school, he attended Washburne Trade School where he completed an Apprenticeship in Carpentry. On June 7, 1974, he married Verna Fenderson. They were together for twenty-seven years. This union was blessed with two children: Michelle and Leon II. Leon worked as a Carpenter and joined the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters. He worked construction on various buildings in Downtown Chicago.  In 1998 he began working at Smurfit-Stone. He retired in 2003. Despite retirement, he continued to work as a self-employed Carpenter.

Our father was known to his friends and family as “Toy” or “The Warden”. Leon loved carpentry and was a perfectionist. He enjoyed being with his family and friends. He loved to dance, listen to music and watch the television series Bones. He enjoyed going to different restaurants and trying different food and playing card games. Leon impacted so many people’s lives through his caring and sacrificial heart.  There wasn’t anything that he would not do for his family and friends (taking people to doctor appointments, going shopping with his daughter, watching his grandchildren or playing darts with his son JR) and the list goes on and on. Leon Waller departed this life on January 8th, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife Verna Waller and biological parent Edward Wilford Waller. Leon leaves to rejoice in his memory his two children Leon (Jill) Waller II, and Michelle (Clemente) Edwards, His mother, Vivan and stepfather James Rowland, his brother Edward Waller Il, Aunt Dorothy, Cousin Irene, Pat (Eric) little sister: twelve grandchildren: Leon III, Allyssa, Dominique, Sasha, Naomi, Destyni, Nadia, Cameron, Stephen, Gregory, Elliott, and Harrison, two great-grandchildren Brayden and Avah; in-laws: Valeria Fenderson (Mother-in-law), Ernest (Lawana), Myrna Fenderson, and June Jones, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him. Leon will be laid to rest Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Restvale Cemetery, 11700 S. Laramie, Alsip Illinois. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Chapel, Chicago. 773-731-2749 www.elmwoodchapel.com