Leon Alfred Avery lost his hard fought battle with cancer on May 9, 2026 three days before his 70th birthday surrounded by his family and several loved ones.

Born the youngest of Cleon E and Marian L (Sanders) Avery's seven children in South Haven, MI on May 12, 1956, he was a graduate of Grand Rapids Central High School class of 1974 and was recently retired from Benteler Automotive in Grand Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Vernon (Alice) Avery, his sister Beth (Fred) Kohlhoff, his brothers in law Roger (Eunice) Brush, Timothy (Darlene) Burke and David Burke.

He is survived by his wife of 49 1/2 years Shirley (Burke) Avery, his sons Mike (Anne Marzean) Avery and Josh (Julia) Avery, his granddaughter Presley Avery, bonus granddaughter Mikayla Marzean, one brother Jim Avery, three sisters, Eunice (Roger) Brush, Marilyn (Randy) Hisey and Joy (Jerry) Melville, brothers in law Fred (Beth) Kohlhoff, Steven (Heather) Burke, sisters in law Alice (Albers) Avery, Jennifer (Chad) Cunningham, Debbie (Charlie) Ohanesian, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The lives he touched are infinite.

He owned Avery's Machine and Welding for 25 years, which was his "hobby" as well as his passion. He was also great with his hands, tinkering and repairing whatever needed fixing whether it be a furnace, an automobile or a bicycle for the neighborhood children. He was also an avid collector of vehicles, tools, electronics and machinery. He loved going to antique farm equipment and engine shows and would ride his Harley Davidson motorcycles with his brother Jim as well as many friends.

The family thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, per his request, there are no burial or memorial services planned at this time.