ELKHART -- Marlin "Leon" Elmore, 57, of Elkhart, died Saturday (July 11, 2009) in Mercy Hospital, Fairfield, Ohio, after becoming ill while visiting family.

He was born Jan. 18, 1952, in Elkhart to Robert E. and Ida M. (Irwin) Elmore.

Mr. Elmore is survived by two sons, Robert L. (Sarah) Elmore of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Terry N. Elmore of Carthage, N.Y.; one daughter, Tanya M. Overton of Carthage; three grandchildren; one brother, Robert E. (Dora) Elmore Jr. of Coral Springs, Fla.; two stepbrothers, David and Tom Tidd; two sisters, Barbara G. (Glenn) Wilson of Cullman, Ala., and Kathryn D. "Kitty" (Richard E.) Koth of Elkhart; one stepsister, Laurie Gries of Osceola; and his former wives, Ruth Ann (Deward "J.R.") Barrier of Natural Bridge, N.Y., and Molly J. Nine of Elkhart.

He was preceded in death by one stepbrother, Steven Tidd.

Mr. Elmore worked in the maintenance department at Valmont Industries Inc. for the past 10 years. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from 1970 until he was honorably discharged in 1973.

He was a member of Osceola American Legion Post 335. He enjoyed spending time with his family and gardening, especially tomatoes.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a remembrance service will follow at 8 p.m. Officiating will be REv. Amy K. DeBeck of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Elkhart. After visitation, cremation will take place, with burial at a later date in Prairie Street Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the USMC Honors Burial Detail.

Memorials may be given to the charity of the donor's choice. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.