Obituary

Leon Rachell, 81, a Louisiana native, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020. He was born on March 25, 1938 in Monroe, LA, the only child of the late Leon and Odee Rachell.

Along with his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his wife of more than 30 years, Billie Rachell; sons, Joel Rachell, Noel Rachell, Sr., and Robert Cappo; daughter, Nanette Cappo Wise; along with two infant children; and grandson, Shedrick Cates.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Evelyn Rachell (Stephen) DeAngelo, Dawn Rachell (Jon) Wiltberger, Timmy Cappo, Sr., and Anthony Cappo, Jr.; twenty grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and one more on the way.

Family was the most important thing in the world to Leon. He always had an open door policy at his home. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1955 just prior to graduation from Neville High School. Before retirement from proudly serving his country, he did two tours during the Vietnam War, where he earned numerous medals and awards, including the Navy Achievement Medal. He also worked for the State of Louisiana at E. A. Conway Hospital and for the city of West Monroe at Kiroli Park. He had a strong work ethic and always maintained a job to provide for his family.

He was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Calhoun, LA and an ordained lay leader of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Franciscan Missionaries. He was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus for councils 3642 and 1337, and served as a former Grand Knight. He dedicated many years of community service to veterans, and was a past president of the Fleet Reserve Association in Monroe, LA.

The visitation for Leon will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Moss Point, MS. A celebration of life will follow in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Kris Rouse officiating. Jon Wiltberger, III, Daniel Wiltberger, Noel Lynn Rachell, Jr. and Stephen DeAngelo will be serving as pallbearers. Shedrick Rachell, Chance Rachell, and Wesley DeAngelo will serve as honorary pallbearers. A funeral mass will be held at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Monroe, LA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Leon’s family has requested loving donations be made in his memory to Safe Harbor United Methodist Church in Moss Point, MS.