Leo Charles DeMars
Leo Charles DeMars passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the age of 67.
Leo was born March 12, 1950, in Wyandotte, MI, to Leo Charles, Sr., and Dolores Mary DeMars. He was united in marriage to Mary-Jo (Doran) DeMars in Detroit on June 2, 1972. They were married for 45 years, the last 38 of those years in St. Charles, MO.
Leo was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was unselfish and kind, and a steady source of support and encouragement to those close to him. Leo was also a passionate baseball fan, Parrothead, and margarita enthusiast. He loved reading the newspaper, taking his grandchildren to the library for story hour, and napping almost anywhere. He treasured the time he spent relaxing with family and friends, whether at home, on cruise ships, or at wineries and lakehouses. A dedicated and hardworking member of the community, Leo worked for 21 years with the Dierberg’s grocery chain, was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, and served as a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus 823.
Leo is survived by his wife, Mary-Jo; daughter Beth DeMars (Mike Noren) of Chicago, IL; daughter Katie Radford (Mark Radford) of St. Ann, MO; son Joseph DeMars (Erin VanVelkinburgh) of St. Charles; grandchildren Jeremiah, Olivia, and Jacob Radford and Henry and Wyatt DeMars; sister Janice DeMars of Allen Park, MI; sister Cathy DeMars of Taylor, MI; sister-in-law Kathleen Bunarek-Conklin of “Tecumseh, MI” and beloved canine companion, Diva.
Services are at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (2 Seton Court) on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Leo’s name may be directed to the No Hunger Holiday (http://nohungerholiday.com) or the St. Louis Area Food Bank (http://stlfoodbank.org). In addition, Leo would surely appreciate it if you raised a glass with your own loved ones in his honor.
What a lovely tribute to the Patriarch of your family. May God’s love and grace, and the fond memories you have of Leo, help you throughout your healing. Hugs – Val
Wishing your family well wishes during this time of loss.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time. May the peace that comes from the memories of your dad, comfort your and your family in the days ahead.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I will remember Leo with fondness. Your family will be in my prayers as you move through this difficult time.
The video tribute was so moving. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will raise a glass in memory of a great man, husband , father and grandfather.????
My deepest condolences at this time of great sorrow for you Mary Jo and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary-Jo and family, what a lovely video tribute of Leo. You captured special family connections and most in particular the fun loving and special bond he shared with you Mary-Jo. Thanks for sharing. Thinking of you tomorrow as you celebrate Leo’s life. Hugs and prayers for all of you. Love cousin Connie. ??????
I’m very sorry to hear this news, Joe. My family and I will be praying for you and your loved ones.
May he Rest In Peace and may God look upon the rest of his family with love and grace.
Leo was one of the neatest baseball fan I’ve ever known. My children like to spend time with him. Story teller, peanut eater and special beer drinker. RIP Leo from your sister-in-law ElaineDoran
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family. May He provide you with strength, love and peace during this most difficult time.
Mary Jo and family,
What a beautiful video capturing the life of Leo with his loving family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Dianne & Rick Ledwon (SEAS)
God bless you, Leo. It was an honor to know you.
My condolences to you all. I work with Beth at DRI and consider her a dear friend. Cheers to Leo on a full and loving life!
My heartfelt condolences. Peace. Therese
Beautiful video, a life well lived. May Leo Rest In Peace and your family treasure your loving memories. I work with Beth and we travel together often and have spent many a time talking about family. Leo will be missed dearly.
To my dear friend Beth and the entire DeMars Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers to all Leo’s loved ones during the difficult days ahead. May you find comfort in your loving memories.
Mary Jo may your memories comfort you & your family in the days ahead. Leo shared his smile with everyone and will be remembered in our prayers. Peace my friend… Marie (SEAS)
Leo was indeed the master of napping.
At Catholic Central High School (where we met), I remember that Leo could sit up, tilt his head down slightly (looking to all around that he was intently studying his textbook) and take a nap right during class. I envied that ability.
Yesterday Barbara and I raised a glass to a dear friend that I shall miss.
Mary Joe,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Leo. It hit me very hard as I know we are all vulnerable to what lies ahead as we all get older. I believe our class of 69 were somehow blessed as there are many of us that have married our best friend. Many of us have been married 40 some years. I will pray for Leo’s soul and for you and your family as you all go through these difficult days ahead. I know you have a strong faith and He will get you through these times. Blessings to you and your family.
Mary Jo,
My prayer is that you will feel God’s healing presence, and be able to move from a place of pain, to the joy and love I see in these pictures. I know you will miss Leo, but what a family and legacy he leaves.
PEACE…to you and your family.
My condolences to his family. I had just spoke and texted with him in March 2017. He is my mothers cousin and he had shared some history with me of our family and we spoke of his interest and classes of genealogy to come. Sharing his love of 45 years with his wonderful wife. I’m am very saddened to hear of his loss. He searched me out as part of his family and I was so pleased to have made the connection. I remember being at his parents home when I was 11 in 1971 when I was there to visit my grandparents William and Eileen (DeMars) Cain (from where I was born and still live in Alaska) and enjoying spending time with his family, my aunt Deloris, uncle Leo and his sisters. God bless him and his family. I truly enjoyed to have had the opportunity to have talked with him.
Mary Jo and Family:
So sorry for the loss of your Dear Husband and Best Friend, Leo. I know there is not much to be said to ease your heartache, but know you are in many people’s thoughts and prayers. Life has a way of going on and we find our way from day to day with our faith and family to see us through. May your and your family’s many happy memories of Leo guide you on now. Please let me know if I can help in any way! Much Love to you all, Carol.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband, Mary-Jo. I watched the tribute and could see how much love flowed from both of you to each other and to your family and friends. I will be praying for all of you. God bless you!