Charles Leaton

Visitation and Gathering Wednesday, January 7 4-7 PM at Peterseim Funeral Chuck's body will be cremated following the visitation. A general memorial fund has been established. Chuck (Charles) Leaton, 63, of Kalona, Iowa died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at UI Hospitals in Iowa City, surrounded by his family. Chuck was born on August 7, 1945, in Burlington,Iowa. After graduating high school and finishing barber college in Davenport, Iowa. Chuck served in the United States Navy on the USS Constellation from 1964 until 1968. He received serveral commendations awards;Bronze Star,Vietnam Service Metal, three Bronze Stars Repulic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Metal. On August 25, 1970 he married Irene Lauth after dating for two years. Chuck was an extremely gifted musician who played in numerous bands and with numerous other notable musicians, including Niah Bingi Boppa Band, Dennis McMurrin, Marty Christianson, River City, Elery Temple, Jim Hawkins, Steve Ganes of Lynard Skynard, and Toots of Toots and the Maytalls, among others. He passed his musical genius onto his children whom he loved very much. Chuck was a kind, generous, and hardworking man who will be missed tremendously by every person who had the pleasure of knowing him. Because of his free and generous spirit, his utterly hilarious comedic nature, and all the places he lived and traveled, Chuck befriended more people than even his closest family members can fathom. For 15 years while also raising their family, Chuck and Irene owned an organic bakery which they operated from their home. Their products were sold at Pioneer Food Co-op; many people from the Iowa City area enjoyed their bread and treats. The bakery was truly a family operation as all kids had their part to do within the organization. Chuck spent the last few years working hard, spending time with his grown children and his brothers and sisters, and doting over his grandchildren. Chuck is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Irene; his mother, Dorothy Dill, Wilton, 7 children, Zanetta (Andy) Hill, Kalona, Alethea Leaton (Casie Truitt), Morning Sun, Winson Leaton (Kim Droz), Wellman, Zephaniah Leaton (Samantha Gingerich), Kalona, Seth Leaton, Cedar Rapids, and Ayla and Raina Leaton, Iowa City, 6 grandchildren, Devin and Jaedyn Winters and Daniel Truitt, Morning Sun, Nasya Moon and Niah Malachi Leaton and Charles Forest Wylde Hill, Kalona. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his 8 siblings, Ron (Cathy) Leaton and Mary (Paul) Bollinger, Wilton, IA, Harold"Tubby" King, Burlington, Debbie (Ray) Roethemeyer, Centralia,IL, Yvon Hamilton, Jefferson, Jerry (Louisa) Hamilton, Alameda, CA and Lester (Becky) and Leslie (Anne) Moeller, Des Moines. He also left behind 20 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews, 1 great-great nephew and countless friends whose lives he touched. Chuck Leaton was preceded in death by his father,Clarence James Leaton; stepfather Harold Frances King, a niece Janette Cavett, a nephew Michael Paul Bollinger and two great-nephews, Zachary Gordon Leaton, and Samuel Patrick Konstantinow. Memorial donations may be directed to a general memorial fund at the Peterseim Funeral Home. "i'm a gone cat, daddy-o"-chuck leaton