Leo Burl Gonion

Colonel Leo Burl Gonion

     Burl Gonion, 87, died peacefully at his home at the Heartland Assisted Living in Powell, Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

     Burl was born February 9, 1932 in Cody to Tessi Inger Schwanz and George Leo Gonnion.  He graduated from Cody High School in 1950.

     After High School he joined the Wyoming Army National Guard and was in the Korean War.  In 1952 he married the most amazing lady ever, Sally.  They moved to Powell in 1956.  He taught many different grade levels, coached multiple sports and continued his military career.  He retired from teaching in 1992 and retired from the military as a Colonel.  He was an avid outdoors man and amazing fisherman.

     Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Chip Gonion of Concord, NC, daughters; Joy Gonion of Powell, Gay (Darrell) Cariveau of Greybull;B Sandi (Tom) Salvagni of Whitehall, MT and Anna (Bob) King of Powell. Sisters, Shirley Goocher of Billings, MT; and Betty Gonnion of Cody;  and brother George (Mary) Gonnion of Stillwater, MN  also survive him.   Sister-in-laws , Ann (Warren ) Baker, Palm Springs, CA,  and Dinah Haberthier, Canyon City, CO plus seven grandchildren, Ilona, Kasey, Vinnie, Mikki, Tukker, Wyatt, Kwinn and eight great grandchildren, Layla, Jasper, Arimas, Maddeson Blue Lin, Olivia, Nick, Axton and Ry’lynn. Many nephews, nieces, cousins and countless unforgettable friends.

     He is proceeded in death by his beloved wife Sally, son Hap, brother Fred and sister Carla Jeanne.

     Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Thursday, October 3rd at St Barbara's.  Services will continue at the Crown Hill Cemetery immediately following.  Burl requested in lieu  of flowers, that Memorial Contributions be made to the Billings Clinic Foundation, Cancer Research Fund, PO Box 31031 Billings, MT 59107, 406-657-4670.