Leon Breeden, 88 of Denton, Professor Emeritus of the University of North Texas passed away on August 11, 2010 at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas. He was born October 3, 1921 in Guthrie, Oklahoma to Alvin and Marie (Sanders) Breeden. He received his Bachelor of Arts in music education and Master of Music Education from Texas Christian University. He was awarded an honorary "Doctor of Letters" by his alma mater in 2001, and Honorary Doctor in 2009 from the University of North Texas, and outstanding Alumni in 1986. He was director of Jazz studies program and the One O'Clock Lab Band at North Texas from 1959 to 1981, the first of its kind n the country, and received honors as one of the best music programs in the country. He was married to Bonna Joyce McKee, who preceded him in death in 1988, and then he married Bennye Wayne Reid on June 18, 1990 in Flower Mound, TX she preceded him in death on April 20, 2010. He is a member of the Denton Bible Church. His band played at the White House for three Presidents, Jimmy Carter, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 2010 in the Denton Bible Church, 2300 E. University Dr. Denton, with Rev. Tom Nelson, officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the Church on Monday before the services starting at 1:30 p.m until service time.

Mr. Breeden is survived by his daughter, Vicki Lynn Breeden of Denton, grandchildren, Anne Ehmke and husband Tanner of Manhattan, KS Mark Breeden and wife Kristen of Belmont, CA, Chris Breeden of Belmont, CA Melinda Shockley and husband David of North Richland Hills, TX Mike Reid and wife Carol of Pickton, and daughter in law Barbara Breeden of Belmont, CA