Leon Rexford Gaskin, Sr.

Life Reflection Of

Leon R. Gaskin, Sr.

To everything there is a season, and a time to be born, and a time to die

Ecclesiastes: 3-1

Leon Rexford Gaskin, Sr. was born on May 6, 1926 in Kansas City, Kansas to Jake Gaskin and Mattie Gibson.  He departed this life on September 11, 2017, at home surrounded by his family.

He was the eldest child of two, father Jake Gaskin, mother Mattie Gibson-Richardson, brother, George Richardson, Jr. daughter, Kim Love, grandson, Christopher L. Gaskin all preceded him in death.

Leon accepted Christ at an early age.  He attended Second Baptist Church of Argentine. 

Leon received his education in the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District.  He graduated from Sumner High School in 1943.  He worked at General Motors and Armour Packing Company for a brief time.  Leon won the Golden Glove Championship in 1944.

Leon was a Korean War Veteran of the Army, as a Military Policeman (MP).  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1951.  Afterwards, he went on to Barber School located in Tyler, Texas.  He received his Barber License, and moved back to Kansas City, Kansas in 1953.  He worked at Parks Barber Shop for many years.

Leon married Jacquelyn Riley in 1954, to this union two children was born Kim and Leon, Jr.

Later, he opened up his own Barber Shop located next door to his long-time business 20 Men’s Club.  Leon was a barber for 64 years, until his health started to decline.  He loved being a barber and working side by side with friend John Barnett of many years.  Also with his grandson Christopher, wo started cutting hair with him in 2004.

Leon was a long-time member of the Northeast Optimist Club, serving as the treasurer for years.  Also, he sponsored two baseball teams, male and female teams, and sponsored uniforms for his grandson’s team.

He leaves to cherish his memory son, Leon R. Gaskin, Jr. (Rosemary) of Kansas City, Kansas; daughter, Darcus Gates (George) of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandsons, Shawn Atkinson (Desiree); Patrick Hughes (Danielle); Colin Shipley-Gates (Shawna); two granddaughters, Rochelle Starling (Meiko) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Astin Shipley-Gate of Kansas City, Missouri; four great granddaughters, one great grandson and a host of many relatives and friends.

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