Leon Byron Dollens, Jr.

Leon Byron Dollens, Jr. August 11, 1924 - March 27, 2012 Leon Byron Dollens, Jr., of Hewitt, retired CEO of the Heart O' Texas Fair, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with the Rev. Stephen Ramsdell of First United Methodist Church of Waco officiating. Burial will follow with military honors at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 30, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Leon was born August 11, 1924, in Mart, Texas, to Leon and Tavie Dollens, Sr. He was a 1942 graduate of Waco High School and Texas A&M, Class of '46, serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Dollens served as manager of the Bastrop, Center, McKinney and Waco Chambers of Commerce. He was also manager of the Waco Industrial Districts. In 1958, he was elected to hold a dual responsibility as Exec. V/P and General Manager of the Heart O' Texas Fair on January 1, 1958. Dollens retired after serving the Fair for 31 years. His proudest accomplishments included establishing the All Youth Livestock Show and Youth Division and RV Trailer Rallies, producing a considerable economic impact for Waco. Mr. Dollens was an active supporter in youth activities serving as President of Northwestern Little League, Vice-President and Coach of Jr. Teenage Baseball, President of Waco Camp Fire Girls, District Chairman for Eagle Scout Advancement and chairman of indoor-outdoor activities for Boy Scouts of America. He also was Past President of Karem Shrine Band. He was twice elected President of the Texas Association of Fairs and Expositions, serving on the Board numerous times. He was active in the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. Being the first Fair Manager in Texas to receive the Certified Fair Managers Certification from the IAF&E, Dollens was one of only 11 awarded in the U.S. in 1979. He is also the only non-showman to receive a Gold Card Honorary Life Time Membership from the Lone Star Showman League of Texas. He received the "State Future Farmer" award by the State FFA. Mr. Dollens was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Littlepaige Dollens; granddaughter, Andrea; and grandson, Chris Dollens. He is survived by daughter, Anne Sutherland and husband, Tommy, of Italy; sons, Byron Dollens and wife, Janis, of Hewitt, Clif Dollens of Waco, David Dollens and wife, Jami, of Round Rock and Bruce Dollens of Hewitt; 14 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great great grandson. The family especially want to thank Mandy Allen and the staff of Visiting Angels, who helped Mr. Dollens during these difficult times. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America and Visiting Angels of Waco. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey