Leonidas Claude McSwain

          POLKTON – On Saturday, February 17, 2024, in the comfort of his home, Mr. Leonidas Claude McSwain, 85, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord.

            Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Hopewell Methodist Church with Rev. Patrick Ledford and Rev. Tony Thomas officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery.

            The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Leavitt Funeral Home and other times at the home.

            Leonidas was born January 21,1939 in Anson County, NC and was a son of the late Lester Claude McSwain and the late Hazel Virginia Tucker McSwain. He was a1957 graduate of Burnsville High School and a proud veteran of the United States Army.

            He had worked for many years with Yale, Eaton, and Keane Monroe Corporation as a machinist. He retired from Lanesboro Correctional Institute where he implemented the onsite gardening and composting program. However, his great love was that of being a life-long farmer which was instilled in him as child on his father’s farm.

            A life-long member of Hopewell Methodist Church, he has served the church as treasurer, historian, caretaker, keeper of the doors and dedicated member of the cemetery committee. He was also a member of the Burnsville Volunteer Fire Department and actively participated in the departments barbeque events. He was a friend to everyone and a mentor to many.

            He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 65 years, Susie Edwards McSwain; his sister  Ann Caudle and husband, Larry of Polkton; his brother-in-law, Lynn Edwards and wife, Johnnie of Peachland; his sister-in-law, Brenda Thomas and husband, Tony of Randleman and his nieces and nephews and their families.

            In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Martin McSwain, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Reece and Beatrice Edwards and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lucille Edwards Haney and Harold Haney.

            In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hopewell Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Tammy Britt, P.O. Box 514, Marshville, NC 28103.

            The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com