A Shriner four-time “Clown of the Year” who served his country in the Army during Vietnam is the Kosciusko County Veteran of the Month for December.
In reading the biography for Edward Leamon, Kosciusko County Veteran Service Officer Darryl McDowell said Leamon “served honorably in various capacities, reflecting his dedication to both his country and community.”
Leamon was drafted in 1966 into the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Dix, N.J., for basic training. Following that, he spent his first year as a communication specialist at Fort Ritchie, Md., which served as the ground site for the Pentagon, known as "The Rock.”
In July 1967, he was sent to Vietnam, assigned to the 9th Signal Battalion, 9th Infantry Division. Leamon was stationed south of Saigon near Ben Luc, in charge of a microwave wave radio tower supporting the artillery. McDowell said the reason Leamon got chosen for that was because he was the only one with a high-enough clearance to operate it. Leamon was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division.
He returned home in May 1968, “known as Phase II of the TET Offensive, commonly known as the May Offensive or Little TET,” McDowell said. The offensive was launched by the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong. Leamon came home about the time it was ending and he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.
McDowell said, “According to Ed, his life took another significant turn in 1966 when he married the love of his life, Sharon. They have three children, Christine, Ben, Todd; four grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. He wanted me to stress that.”
Leamon is a member of Conwell Masons 705 in Fort Wayne Mizpah Shrine Club. He holds the 32nd degree in Scottish Rite Mason, the “Johnny Appleseed Hillbillies,” and is a Kosciusko Shrine Club member in the Legion of Honor.
As a Shriner clown, Leamon is known as “Patches.” His duties include marching in parades and performing with the Mizpah Shrine Circus. It has been his honor to be chosen as The Shriner’s Clown of the Year in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021, McDowell said.
Every year, the Shriners takes third-grade children to the circus. The meet-and-greet is a fun time that can be exhausting at times from taking pictures and signing autographs.
“Performing at the circus is unparalleled; he can feel the energy of 10,000 kids chanting his clown’s name, Patches. He enjoys making balloon animals and passing them out,” McDowell said.
Over the years, Leamon has been involved in many organizations, including the Syracuse Fire Department, where he was one of the first 500 registered EMTs in Indiana and a former underwater dive team member; a youth sports team sponsor for Syracuse T-ball, youth soccer and girls softball; a ski patrol member at Mount Wawasee and a junior high and high school church youth director.
Leamon established his electrical business in 1986. His son, Todd, has been an integral part of the business since he graduated from Purdue.
Leamon’s journey from a soldier in Vietnam to a beloved Shriner clown “is a testament of his commitment to making a difference. Family remains central to his life, and his legacy continues through his children and grandchildren. His multifaceted involvement in organizations emphasizes the positive impact he strives to have. As he hands over responsibilities in his electrical business to his son Todd, he can take pride in both his professional achievements and personal relationships,” McDowell concluded.
After receiving his framed certificate and a standing ovation, Leamon said, “Thank you very much. I guess I didn’t know I was that busy. It just happens. It’s been an experience, and I’m still standing, so that’s a great thing. Thank you, guys, for doing this, and thank you guys out there.”