James "Leon" Waggoner

James “Leon” Waggoner, age 90 of Mattoon, IL passed away on February 22, 2026, at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Charleston, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. Military Rites will be conducted by Mattoon VFW Post 4325. The visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of service at the funeral home. Leon was born on January 4, 1936. In Moultrie County, IL to the late Charles Francis “Bill” and Bernice Tressie (Pifer) Waggoner. He married Theresa Jackson; she preceded him in death in 1992. He later married Beverly A. (Storm) Pippin on September 22, 1993; she survives and resides in Mattoon, IL. He is also survived by one son, James Anthony “Tony” Waggoner of Gays, IL; one stepson, Keith Pippin and wife Rhonda of Mattoon, IL; one stepdaughter DeeDee Thornton and husband Darrell of Trilla, IL; five grandchildren: Chris Murphy and wife Roxanne of Charleston, IL, Mike Pippin and wife Sara of Kansas City, MO, Mike Williams and wife Miranda of Mohomet, IL, Marc “Andy” Murphy and significant other Mara Hutchcraft of Charleston, IL, Donnelle Darling and husband Nate of Greenup, IL; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lila Zimmerman of Weatherby, MO, and Linda Bushert of Sullivan, IL. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Marcia Waggoner and one sister, Delores Hopper. Leon was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. Throughout his working life, he was a dedicated machinist for Columbia Machines in Mattoon, IL, for many years, later transitioning to a Building Service Worker at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, until his retirement. A passionate outdoorsman, he was proud of his skills as both a bow and shotgun hunter. He spent his happiest hours fishing and boating. In the winter months, he and his wife Beverly embraced the snowbird life in Southern Texas, finding peace in the simple joy of feeding the birds, surrounded by the nature he loved. Having a natural talent for gardening, he loved to see his abundance of fruits and vegetables in his orchard come to fruition. Leon leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

James "Leon" Waggoner

January 4, 1936 - February 22, 2026