Leon Love, 80, of Rocky Ford, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center in La Junta.   Leon was born on November 8, 1939, in La Junta, CO to Ralph and Golda (Mills) Love. He grew up and received his education in Kim, CO, graduating high school there. Leon attended a business college in Amarillo, TX. He began his career as a mechanic in Texas before moving to Oklahoma for several years and then relocated back to eastern Texas. Leon moved back to Colorado to help his mother care for his father and after his father's death, he remained here.

On January 30, 1999, Leon was united in marriage to Peggy (Morgan) Schweizer at Manzanola. He continued his career as a mechanic and became the owner/operator of Aerco before retiring in 2002. He was a special mentor to his step-grandson, Chris Schweizer, who shared his love of mechanics.

Leon enjoyed working on and restoring antique tractors. He was a member of the Prairie Bible Chapel in La Junta and the Odd Fellows. Leon was well-known for his kindness and his helpfulness. He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Rocky Ford; son, Mickey (Annie) Love of Athens, AL; daughters, Dr. Lucinda (Brett) Whitney of Overland Park, KS and Alicia Love of Austin, TX; step-children, Kathy (Bruce) Boyd of Limon, CO, Ken (Arlene) Schweizer of Rocky Ford, Susan (Dave) Jordan of Olney Springs; five grandchildren, Russell, Heath and Kristin Love, Drew (Emily) Arnold, Tori (Eastman) Tran; step-grandchildren, Matt (Carrie) Boyd, Morgan (Rick) Willett, Michelle (Matthew) Gardner, Andy (Kelsey) Schweizer, Chris (Ellen) Schweizer, Jason (Amanda) Jordan, Ryan (Kristin) Jordan; one great-grandchild, Aurora Tran; and 14 step-great-grandchildren.   He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Claudine Mitchell and Lois Jones.   Graveside memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 17, 2020, at the Hillcrest/Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford with Pastor Maynard Bowen and Gail Allen officiating.   Memorial contributions may be made to Prairie Bible Chapel; P.O. Box 651; La Junta, CO 81050 or Sangre de Cristo Hospice; 207 Colorado Ave.; La Junta, CO 81050. Following the graveside service, a luncheon will be served at the Valley Cowboy Church, North La Junta, CO, for those who would like to visit with the family.   Ford – Ustick Funeral Home of Rocky Ford is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.