Oscar Olin Leon Pressley

Oscar Olin "Leon" Pressley, 83, of Livingston, Montana, passed away Monday, July 20, 2015 at his home. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and a private family remembrance will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to: Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Business Park Drive, Livingston, MT 59047. Leon was born on September 16, 1931, in Union County, North Carolina. He was the son of James L and Bessie T. Pressley. Following high school Leon entered active military service in the United States Army on November 3, 1948 at age 17. His first stint was spent in Germany with the 2nd Armored Cavalry. After that deployment Leon went back home for six months before reenlisting and beginning training as an X-Ray Tech and Medic. He then went to Japan where he served as an X-Ray Tech and Medical Specialist. He met Jane while stationed in Japan; she was his nurse while receiving treatment for a broken hand. The two of them came back stateside to Fort Myer in Arlington Virginia before redeploying to Germany in the 60s. While in Germany Leon deployed to Iran on an Army Humanitarian Effort following a severe earthquake. They then went back stateside to Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells, Texas. Leon then deployed to Korea serving there as a Medic and X-Ray Tech. After that service overseas he returned to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn New York serving there as an X-Ray Tech and Medical Specialist. His next deployment took him to Vietnam where served as a Combat Medic on a Mobile Advisory Team. Leon was able to settle in San Antonio Texas at Fort Sam Houston in 1971. There he served as Chief of the, Test, Evaluation, and Counseling Branch, Basic Health Services Division, the Academy of Health Sciences for the Army. He had earned the rank of Master Sergeant. There he was awarded the Legion of Merit for service at Fort Sam Houston and his unique management skills, ability to deal with high ranking officers, non-commissioned and civilians alike. Leon earned retirement and an honorable discharge on February 28, 1978. He had earned a Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, Vietnam Service Medal and Campaign Ribbon, and Combat Infantryman Badge. On June 6th, 1958, Leon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Jane Alice Webb. Leon was recently presented a Civilian Affairs Medal for his Vietnam service as Medical Training Officer while serving with the Mobile Advisory Group 72. After his retirement from the military Leon continued his professional music career. And he was a professional in every sense on the word. He truly was one of the most talented and respected fiddle players in the nation. Leon backed-up and recorded with countless big names in the San Antonio area. He produced a country music TV show by the name, Buffalo Valley Jamboree, was a producer and collaborator with lives acts on the radio station KBUC. Leon moved to Livingston in 1986. He later joined the band Country Tradition, with whom he was playing with up to the day he died. He enjoyed playing music, gardening, tinkering in his garage. Leon was also founding member of the Nation Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Blessed be his memory. Leon is survived by his: Sons, Dale Pressley and his wife Jan of Choctaw, OK and James Pressley and his wife Doreen of Temple, TX. Grandchildren Shannon, Jamie Garrett and Morgan. Many other relatives and friends. Leon is preceded in death by his Parents, loving wife Jane. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory