Leroy Melvin Williamson, Sr., 99 years (plus 8 months) of age, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, August 29, 2020 in Denton, Texas. He was born December 30, 1920 in Sealy,Texas, to Bertha Kretschmar and J.A. Williamson.

He began his military career with the Texas National Guard in 1938.  During WWII he transferred to the Army Air Corps and became a B-24 Pilot.  He flew in the European Theater where his plane was shot down over Germany on April 8, 1944, his 13th mission.  He was a POW for14 months.  He also flew in the Berlin Airlift.

Following retirement from the Air Force, he attended the University of Houston and eventually joined the Civil Defense in Denton, Texas. As a long time resident of Denton and member of Singing Oaks Church of Christ, he spent  many of his later and retirement years in service to others as a member of several church committees, board member of the Former POW organization and participation in the Boy Scouts.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Maxie Gann Williamson of Denton, parents, sister Ulna Brummet of Houma, Louisiana; brother Eldridge Williamson of Sealy,Texas; and one grandson Michael Kruger of Denton, Texas.

He is survived by his children: Joy Hughes and husband Tim of Alto, New Mexico; Roy Williamson and wife Carol of Highland Village, Texas; Cheryl Kruger of Denton, Texas; John Williamson and wife Melissa of Huntsville, Texas; twin sister Loula Belle Hover of Katy, Texas; grandsons: Chad Southard, Jason Kruger, and Garrett Willliamson; granddaughters: Erin Williamson Taylor; Lauren Williamson-Moore and Macy Williamson Horn; plus five great grandchildren.

The U.S. Air Force is providing a full honor guard.  Honorary pallbearers are: Chad Southard, Jason Kruger, Garrett Williamson, Landon Taylor, Alastair Moore, Issac Horn, Jerry Hudson and Billy Turney.

He leaves a legacy of duty, honor and commitment and will be greatly missed by his family and friends from his church, the greater Denton community and Anthology of Denton, senior living community.

Visitation will be from 10 AM to 7 PM on Wednesday September 2, 2020 at DeBerry Funeral Home, 2025 W. University Denton, Texas.  Graveside services will at 10 AM on Thursday September 3, 2020 at Roselawn Memorial Park, 3801 Roselawn Dr., Denton, TX 76207

If you are so inclined, in lieu of flowers contribution to one of the following organizations would  continue his legacy of helping others:  Wounded Warrior Project ( woundedwarriorproject.org ): Singing Oaks Church of Christ food bank, 101 Cardinal Dr., Denton, TX 76209; or Denton Community Food Center, 306 N. Loop 288, suite 400, Denton, Texas.