Leonard Ray Ozee

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Leonard Ray Ozee, 63, of Equality, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 2, 2011.

Leonard was born in Shawneetown on April 16, 1947, to the late William and Martha Ozee. On Oct. 17, 1964, he married Suzette (Bennett) Ozee, who survives.

Leonard served his country in the Army during Vietnam. He was best known throughout Southern Illinois for his wonderful cooking. He opened and ran Leonard's restaurant in Equality for 22 years until 2006. He then sold the building to the present owner which is now known as The Red Onion, where he was still the head cook. His passion for preparing food and enjoying the people he served always showed through with his smile and wit. He loved to be with his grandkids and loved to fish. He was a member of the Equality American Legion. Leonard was a good husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend and will be missed by the community.

Leonard is survived his wife, Suzette of Equality; two daughters, Lori Hathaway of Fairfield and Christy (Adrian) Sinks of Eldorado; four grandchildren, Tyler Abell, Mackenzie Sinks, Cameron Hathaway and Bennett Sinks; two brothers, Jim (Cleona) of Omaha and Charles (Carole) Ozee of Braceville; and one sister, Betty (Wayne) Lampert of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Visitation for Leonard will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011, at the Cox and Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the funeral home with the Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Interment will be private at a later date. Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com