James Leon Lankford

James Leon Lankford was a loving father, grandfather, and partner. He passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2021, just a week shy of his 96th birthday. He fought with faith through his declining health until the end of his life. Leon was born in Beeville, Texas on February 12, 1925 to William Everett and Grace White Lankford. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1943, and went on to serve in the US Army earning the rank of Master Sergeant.

Leon met Frances Elizabeth Plocek and they were married on June 10, 1950. They were married for 49 years until her passing in November 1999. Leon and Frances were blessed with two children, Susan and James (Jim) and four grandchildren.

Upon returning to Corpus Christi after serving in WWII, he joined his father in running the family business, Lankford Company, Inc., established by his father in 1928.  Leon took over as owner and operator of Lankford Company, Inc. from the mid 1950's through 1995, when he retired from the company and passed ownership to his son, Jim Lankford.

Leon’s ranch, Double LL Ranch in Orange Grove, TX, is where he pursued his passion for ranching and raised beefmaster cattle. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed these sports with his family. He also served on numerous boards for the industrial painting business. He will be remembered for his smile, kindness to others, and generosity.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Grace Lankford and his sister Wanda Nolan.

He is survived by his soulmate of the past 18 years, Lucille Miller, and their fur baby, Bella. His family left to celebrate his life are his daughter, Susan Campbell (Pat), his son, Jim Lankford (Veronica), his four grandchildren, Matthew Campbell (Erin), Caty Kaye (Matt), Jenna Bruce, and Alyssa Booth (Jason), and his nine great-grandchildren, Gracelyn and Barbara Campbell, Cazzy, Camp, Ford and Ella Rand Kaye, Landon Albritton, and Jett and Jude Bruce.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Stefan Walker for his wonderful care, and extend gratitude to his caregivers, Diana Lomas and Alma Moreno, for their love and support.

Jim Lankford, Matt Campbell, Gary Plocek, Mark Nolen, Joe Knoll and Jason Booth will serve as pallbearers.

A funeral service to honor Leon’s precious life will be held at Seaside Memorial Park in Corpus Christi, TX. Loved ones are invited to a viewing and visitation at 12 p.m. with service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2021, graveside to follow. His celebration will be officiated by Father Weller.

Please note that face masks and social distancing will be required, and that the service will be available via livestream through a link on the Seaside Memorial website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.