Gant

Leon Earl Gant Jr., 91, of Cranberry Township, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, while under the care of Passavant Retirement Community in Zelienople.

Born May 15, 1932, at the family farmhouse in Cranberry Township, he was the son of the late Leon Earl Gant Sr. and Hazel Wagner Gant.

Leon had an extensive public service career in Butler County. He began his career in the law and justice systems in 1954, when he became the first police officer in Cranberry Township, and then was elected constable. He served as chief of police, protecting Evans City, and participated with various volunteer organizations including the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department. From there, he was elected to the board of Butler County commissioners in 1967, and was chairman of the board for three of the terms he served.

In the 1980 countywide election, Leon won all 80 precincts which is a feat that had never been accomplished before. During his time as commissioner, Leon served on the Governor’s Justice commission. Through this organization, he was able to acquire funds for the creation of the Butler 911 emergency communication center in 1970.

Leon was instrumental in the Butler and Allegheny counties joint development of Thorn Hill Industrial Park. This became Cranberry’s largest economic development which is still in operation today. Throughout the county, you can still see Leon’s name on many plaques in senior living residences, on bridges and county properties recognizing his loyalty and service to the residents of Butler County. In 1982, Leon was elected as the district judge for southwestern Butler County, and served until his retirement in 1992.

Leon had a great love of flying, including a trip from the Butler Farm Show airfield to Alaska and back in 1976. He shared his love of flying as a multi-engine instrument rated flight instructor with many younger pilots on their quest to become professional. In his retirement, he flew increasing advanced airplanes, eventually commuting from Zelienople to Florida several times a year. Above all, he was a very proud family man who loved his family dearly.

Leon leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of almost 70 years, Maxine McClain Gant; his three children, Jeffrey (Lisa) Gant, Douglas (Donna) Gant and Christopher (Barbara) Gant; 10 grandchildren and one stepgrandchild; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Birdetta Kennedy. In advance of the public services, his extensive family throughout the country will gather to honor him and share memories.

GANT — Friends of Leon Earl Gant Jr., who died Monday, April 15, 2024, will be received for visitation from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Seaman Memorial Chapel at Passavant Retirement Community, 105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Leon’s honor to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org, or do an act of kindness for someone.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.