“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Leon Allen Presser entered his heavenly home on Saturday, May 30, 2026, after a sudden illness. Leon is survived by his beloved wife Dianne Adell Presser, who was his constant companion throughout their 42 years of marriage.

Born January 19, 1941, to parents Jacob Presser and Rose Rauser Presser, Leon’s childhood foundation of faith began with the example set by his parents. That faith grew over time to be the cornerstone of a life characterized by love of family and service to others.

The second eldest of six children, Leon was born in Fresno, CA and spent much of his youth on the family’s farm in Easton. There, he learned the value of hard work done to a high standard, contentment in simple pleasures like home grown foods, swims in the local canal, mischievous pranks played on family and friends, and working with his hands. He attended Washington Union High School before the family moved to Sunnyside. Leon graduated from Clovis Union High School as part of the Class of 1959.

Immediately upon graduation, Leon joined Fruehauf Manufacturing as a welder and later during his 32-year career, an inspector. After the company left Fresno, Leon worked in a boat shop and then cabinetry shop before working in maintenance for a local church. On the job his inspector’s eye for detail and his outstanding work ethic always made a lasting impact.

Through God’s providence, Leon found himself unexpectedly at Hume Lake Christian Camp at the same retreat as a young lady from Long Beach. Out of that chance meeting at Hume Lake grew the love of a lifetime as Leon spent weekends on his motorcycle traveling the 252 miles from Fresno to Long Beach to visit Dianne. The two were married in 1984 and spent the next 42 years side-by-side, living first on their beautiful foothill property in Tollhouse and for the past seven years in Clovis in a home carefully designed by Leon.

The two served for decades in various ministries that spanned everything from greeters, Samaritan Class leaders, children’s ministry (including a long stint as Awana leaders for their grandsons), Pumpkin Patch volunteers, creating stage props for VBS, and much more. Leon treasured his time at Trinity Community Church, especially his men’s Bible study groups and their shared meals.

An accomplished woodworker, Leon’s creativity came to life in handcrafted furniture, cabinetry, and treasured toys gifted to grandkids and children across the globe through Operation Christmas Child (while also occasionally playing the part of Santa at a local school). In and around his woodshop, both his children and grandchildren learned valuable life lessons like how to use hand tools, catch and release salamanders or properly feed geese, drive a stick shift, change the oil, rotate tires or fix brakes.

Practical life lessons, however, were eclipsed by lessons Leon taught by example: how to quietly show love to those around you; be present for important moments; make friends easily and eagerly; be content and joyful in all your circumstances; enjoy a good story well told; live frugally with your finances and generously with your time and talents; and above all love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love others as yourself.

These lessons are Leon’s legacy to his children Steven Leon Presser, Suzanne and husband Robert Box, Mike and wife Kelly Avants, Shari and husband David Miller, and Tim and wife Nicole Avants; his grandkids Jacob Mendoza and wife Myra Ramoz, Sally Presser and husband Dylan Harper, Sophie Presser, Cody, Nathan, Kyle and wife Bailey Box, Jonathan and wife Nadiya Avants, Rhys and wife Bella Avants, Ian Avants, Kenneth Miller, Josh and wife Trista Burleson, Autumn and husband Jonny Williams, and Austin, Michaela and Angelina Avants; his 11 great grandchildren; and to his surviving siblings Barbara and husband Angelo Stalis, Beverly and husband Bruce French. Leon is predeceased by his parents Jacob and Rose Presser, siblings Erna May, Betty and Jacob; son Jeffrey Presser; grandson Tyler Box; and great grandson Elisha Burleson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Community Church, 12168 N. Willow Ave. Clovis.