Carl "Leon" McLevain

Carl Leon McLevain, 88, of Henderson, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at home, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family, under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice.

Leon was born in Hebbardsville on May 26, 1937 to Eligah W. and LueBelle (Gilmore) McLevain.

Leon was respected throughout the community and lovingly known by many names—Dad, Papaw, Little Pa, Uncle Leon, Mr. Leon, Cuz, and Brother. Above all, his family was his greatest joy and the source of his biggest smiles. He will be remembered by many as caring, courageous, kind, hard-working, moral, giving, helpful, and full of wisdom.

Leon dedicated over three decades to Whirlpool, but the farm was where his heart lived. Long days spent baling hay and tending fences brought him purpose, and the quiet rides in his John Deere—A/C humming, chili cheese Fritos in hand—gave him peace. Some would say he worked too hard; he would say it was just the life he loved. He never complained, not about the work or the aches that came with it; he just kept going, content behind the wheel of his tractor, watching over his cattle as they fed on hay, grass, and corn feed right from his hands.

He enjoyed making homemade sausage after a hog killing and sitting in the shade with an RC in hand, taking a break from cutting the tobacco he raised and cherished for many years, while sharing stories, encouragement, and wisdom with the young folks.

He had a handful of hobbies he loved—cheering on his UK Wildcats, casting a line whenever he could (and eating just about every fish you cooked for him), and making sure the McLevain family reunion happened without fail each year. In 75 years, he only missed one—and only because COVID-19 kept him home, something that truly broke his heart. He also took great pride in his garden, planting everything from 100 pounds of potatoes to tomatoes, beans, cabbage, okra, watermelon, and more—always growing enough to help feed the six children he was raising.

He never hesitated to lend a hand, whether helping a neighbor or making sure local churches had wagons ready for their fall hayrides. His generosity became part of his legacy, and people had no shortage of words to describe him: the man with all the answers, a Papaw to many, kind and steady, the definition of hard-working, honest to the core, a rock for countless people, and someone who always showed up when he was needed.

He will be greatly missed by so many. Go rest high on that mountain.

He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers, Orville “Mac” McLevain, Freeman “Tickle” McLevain, David McLevain, Charles McLevain, Roy McLevain, and Perry McLevain; three sisters, Ann Crawford, Adele “Sis” Phelps, and Mary Williams; son, John McLevain; and two sons-in-law, Robert Waddle and James Goben.

Survivors include two daughters, Ginger Waddle of Henderson and Annie Goben of Hebbardsville; three sons, David (Angie) McLevain of Hebbardsville, Tim McLevain of Henderson, and Carl (Angie) McLevain of Marion; 13 grandchildren, Josh, Davy, Jennifer, Tiffany, Trisha, Johna, Dustin, Lisa, Brian, Lindsay, Bobby, Stacie and Tracey; 25 great grandchildren; 13 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 31 at Tomblinson Funeral Home in Henderson with Chaplain Jody Hughes officiating.

Visitation will be at the funeral home Tuesday, December 30 from 12 – 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, December 31 from 9 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Davy McLevain, Josh Cox, Dustin McLevain, Travis Byrd, Ben Darnell, Dalton McLevain, Jack McLevain, and Elijah Byrd.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Caden Book and Easton Byrd.

Memorial contributions may take the form of donations to St. Anthony’s Hospice.