TRIBUTE TO A BELOVED PLAIN DEALING CITIZEN

The January 5, 1950 issue of the Bossier Banner reprinted a touching tribute to Leon Sanders, Sr.

“A worthy tribute to the memory of the late Leon Sanders appeared in last week’s issue of the
Shreveport Journal. This we reprint and express to that excellent writer our personal appreciation for that well placed and thoughtful tribute.”

“The tribute follows:”

Plain Dealing’s Loss

“The north Bossier Parish area sustained distinct loss when Leon Sanders, Sr., passed away the other day. He was born in that community 79 years ago and had spent his life there in useful service which contributed greatly not only to the progress of his home section but to the expansion of opportunity and improvement of conditions throughout the parish.”

“Among the enterprises to which he devoted helpful efforts were the Bossier Parish Fair Association and the Bank of Plain Dealing. For years the fair association conducted a parishwide exhibition at Plain Dealing, also at Bossier City, and because of its operations with varied resources, excellent advantages for agricultural development and other enterprises was widely publicized and recognized. He was one of the organizers of the Plain Dealing Bank and served on its board. This bank a few months ago occupied a new home, one of the outstanding evidences of progress at Plain Dealing.”

“Principal attention was given by Mr. Sanders to the Plain Dealing weather bureau of the government. He and his father, the late L.T. Sanders, had charge of this service for 60 years.”

L. T. Sanders

“He was active in religious and civic affairs, and was always working for the welfare of the general public. His career in citizenship was outstanding in accomplishments. He was held in esteem and appreciated as a man of finest character. The family circle which he headed has members who are following in his footsteps in civic-minded activities, including a son, Doyle Sanders, who is serving Plain Dealing as its mayor.”

Visit the Bossier Parish Library Historical Center to read the journals of Leon Sanders, Sr.’s father L.T.Sanders. The journals record weather conditions, crop planting and production, livestock production, orchard (peaches) production.

By: Ann Middleton