Leon A. Sariah Sr.

Leon Adams Sariah of Kansas City, MO passed away on Tuesday December 13, 2022, at St. Joseph Medical Center, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Leon was born in Beaumont, TX on February 7, 1946, to Lenell and Catherine Sariah. He graduated from Hebert High School in 1964 and was a warehouse worker until retirement.

Leon married Mattie Smith in 1973. He was a devoted and loving husband to Mattie until her passing in 1983. Even after her passing, he carried her picture in his wallet until his final days. Together, they raised 6 children. Leon lived in Beaumont until 2007, when he moved to Kansas City, MO, to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Leon was a member of Hollywood Missionary church, where his father was the Pastor. He was a member of Hollywood Missionary church until moving to Kansas City, where he joined Willis Chapel AME church. As a member of Willis Chapel AME, he served on the usher board and was a member of the men's choir. He was quiet but didn't hesitate to sing a solo when asked.

Leon was very competitive. He was a competitive bowler, loved playing bingo and dominos, watching the horse races, and talking all things sports related. Somehow he was a Washington Redskins football fan but his son converted him to be a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Leon’s sense of humor and directness always kept his family and friends laughing. He will be so greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his soulmate, Mattie Sariah; parents Lenell Sariah Sr and Catherine Sariah; brother Lenell Sariah Jr; nephew Nathaniel “Daniel” Bob and granddaughter Cyntacia Jones.

Those left to cherish his memory: sons Leon A. Sariah (Kiesha) of Lee’s Summit, MO; Craig Livas (Renola) of Kansas City, MO; and Orlando Livas of East Lansing, MI; daughters Delores Livas of Houston, TX; Cynthia Rideau of Kansas City, MO, and Connie Rideau of Overland Park, KS; brother James Sariah of Beaumont, TX; sisters Lillie Williams of Lynwood, CA; Shirley Limbrick (Elmo) of Baytown, TX; and Lillian Toussaint of Beaumont, TX; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.