Leilia Irene (Sanford) Damron, 98, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 31st in Springfield, MO. Born in Adair County, March 15, 1928, she was the daughter of Richard Ray and Nettie Jane Snyder Sanford.

She was united in marriage to Harold Dean “Bud” Damron in LaPlata, Missouri on September 15, 1945 while Bud was on weekend leave from his Navy Duty Station in Ottumwa, Iowa, just after the end of World War II. To this marriage, two sons were born, Freddie Dean Damron and David Kieth Damron.

Leilia graduated from Novinger High School in the class of 1945 and started working at the International Shoe Company. Through the years she also worked at Rider Drug and Welch’s IGA, Country Mart, and Food Store. She was known for her dedication, friendly presence, and the relationship she built with customers and coworkers alike. Her strong work ethic was evident in everything she did.

Leilia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, her brother Kenneth Sanford, and her son Freddie Damron. Leilia is survived by her sister Clara Truitt, Kirksville, MO; son David (Elaine) Damron, Springfield, MO; grandchildren Kathy Phipps, Wichita, KS; Kirstie Damron, Melbourne Beach, FL; Jennifer Damron Correa, Springfield, MO; Brian K. (Jess Blakemore) Damron, Washington D.C., Rachel (Ethan) Dixon, Springfield, MO, and one great-grandson Zachary Phipps, Orlando, FL; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her family was her greatest joy. She was an exceptional cook and homemaker; she took great pride in keeping a clean welcoming home, choosing practical gifts, and always picking the most thoughtful greeting cards.

Bud and Leilia were active in the VFW in Kirksville in their earlier years when health permitted.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026 from 12:00-1:00 at the Travis-Noe Funeral Home, 1008 West Potter Avenue, Kirksville, MO followed by immediate interment alongside her husband in the Veterans Garden of Honor at Parkview Memorial Gardens, Kirksville, MO.