Leo Vinson

I am the son of the late James Willie Vinson and Callie Inez Wynn. I was born July 9, 1942 in Covington, Tennessee.

I attended Rialto Elementary School. I accepted Christ at an early age. I became a member of Stevens Chapel Baptist Church located in Covington, Tennessee. I later became a member of Greater St. Matthews located in Indianapolis, IN under the leadership of Pastor, Reverend Johnny Douglas. I loved me some Quartet singing, Lee Williams was my favorite.

I moved to Indianapolis, IN in the late 60’s and worked at Capital Oil Service Station. I continued working at Capitol Oil until I became employed at the Indiana Convention Center. I worked there until I retired after 30 plus years.

“Cletus”, “Pop”, “Grandpa”, “Paw-Paw” and “Rosco” as I was affectionately called by many. I never met a stranger. I showed love to everyone I came in contact with, especially to my bonus children, grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, family, co-workers and friends; you will always hold a special place in my heart.

I really enjoyed taking care of home, those I loved, helping people and making sure everyone was alright. I loved my favorite teams, the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts, win or lose. Whenever they played you could always find me somewhere watching. And, yes I loved sitting in my garage, collecting junk, doing yard work, gardening and helping my boys with their businesses whenever I was needed. This is what made me the most happy.

I was preceded in death by my father, James Willie Vinson; mother, Callie Inez Wynn; 1st wife, Edwina Rouse Vinson; 2nd wife, Amanda Rosenthall Vinson; brother, Deacon Fletcher Neal, Sr.; brother, Wilson “Big Daddy” Yarbrough; and brother-in-law, Cecil Young.

I leave to cherish my memories: my wife, Lula Jennings; brothers: Will Newburn (Paula), Henry Dyson (Valerie) and Elijah Pasley (my brother by another mother); sisters, Joanne Bonds (James) and Mildred Young; my favorite aunt, Hattie Avery of St. Louis, Missouri; 6 bonus sons; 6 bonus daughters; and a host of grandchildren; great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives of which I’m truly blessed to have had in my life. It’s such a privilege to have been so loved by them all.