AVEN, J. LEON, of Mountain Brook, entered into eternal life on Thursday, the 21st of June 2007. He was born on May 21, 1916 in Bardstown, Arkansas to Joseph S. and Martha Leach Aven.

Mr. Aven began his 45 year career with Bell South in Memphis, Tennessee and held positions in Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans, Mobile, and then moving to the Executive Corporate Headquarters in Birmingham in 1961 from where he retired.

He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran serving in the South Pacific. He attended Southwestern University in Memphis and the University of Georgia. He assisted in organizing the first Kiwanis Club in Vestavia Hills and was the first president in 1964. An avid golfer, he was a member for many years at the Chase Country Club, Altadena Country Club, and The Club. He was also a member of the Alabama Senior's Golf Association and served on the Board of Directors. He also enjoyed playing bridge and gin rummy.

Mr. Aven is survived by his devoted daughter-in-law, Loreta Orange-Aven who was his caregiver for several years; 8 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren; brothers, Jim Aven of Vienna, Virginia, Charles Aven of Rocklin, California, and George Aven of Bartlette, Tennessee.

Mr. Aven was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Louise, daughter, Carol Hart, son, The Right Reverend Joseph Leon Aven, Jr., five sisters and 2 brothers