Leon Gable Blessing

Leon Gable Blessing, 89, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2026 at home, exactly one week before his 90th Birthday. He was the devoted husband of Carol Ann (Eberly) Blessing to whom he was married for 66 years.

Born July 1, 1936 in York Township, he was the son of the late Earl Leon Blessing and Mary Helen (Gable) Blessing. Leon was raised in his home and birthplace, the farm on Chapel Church Road. He attended Ore Valley Elementary School, and graduated from Red Lion Area High School in 1954. Leon enlisted in the US Army in August of 1955, serving 3 years in Germany until August 1958.

Leon’s true calling and lifelong passion was farming, but he worked various first jobs such as Medusa Cement and Goodling Electric. His main employment became his career at Cosolidated Freightways, where he drove a tractor-trailer truck for 37 years. He retired from “CF” in 1999 after being honored yearly, and finally awarded for a record of 32 years safe driving.

During retirement, Leon spent his time in his fields, at his barn, and working on restoring his collection of antique tractors. He loved farm sales, auctions, and flea markets. Over the years, he built a massive compilation of cast iron and tin toys, and especially toy farm equipment.

He enjoyed yearly beach vacations to Ocean City, Maryland. He and Carol also traveled every autumn for over 25 years to New England, where beloved and cherished memories were formed.

Leon was a lifetime member of Chapel Church in Red Lion, where he served faithfully for years in many capacities. He was deeply devoted to the church, but most of all he loved his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He was a strong man, with a heart of gold. He was a dedicated and good man of unwavering integrity, whose word was his bond. He was kind beyond limits, possessed a generous spirit and a quiet, gentle nature, always willing to lend a helping hand. He led by example, and loved unconditionally, with a true, pure love. He loved and cared for his family and friends unendingly. His kind in this world is scarce and beautiful, and those who remain will miss him with torn and broken hearts, but will rejoice with him in heaven.

Leon is survived by his childhood sweetheart, and beloved lifetime wife, Carol. His legacy will live on through his three children, Pamela R. Eckert of York, Donald S. Blessing, Sr. of Red Lion, and Rebecca M. Arroyo of York.

He also leaves seven grandchildren: Samuel Dick (Amanda), John Allison, Antonio Mendez, Donald Blessing, Jr. (Imelda), Elise Smith (Zach), Caleb Smith (Nautica), and Joshua Arroyo.

Additionally survived by four great-grandchildren: Carson Harr, Hudson Holland, Sophia Blessing, and Benjamin Blessing; and one sister, Jean Chubb (Ron).

A Celebration of Life Tribute Service will be held at 1:30 PM, Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Chapel Church of Red Lion, 3050 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, PA 17356, with Pastor Josh Wargo and Pastor Thomas Young officiating. A Viewing will be held from 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM prior at the church. Burial Service will take place at Heiland View Cemetery (adjacent to the church) with full military honors provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., Red Lion, is honored to serve the family.

Please send condolences at HeffnerCare.com.