Leon Claire Metz

Leon Claire Metz (November 6, 1930 - November 15, 2020) was an American cultural historian, author, television documentary personality, and lecturer on the American Old West period. Metz presented hundreds of his programs to groups all over the U.S. particularly in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona. Metz also made numerous TV appearances television documentaries most notably, A&E's The Real West series, which is also shown on The History Channel.

This article is about the American cultural historian. For the Luxembourgian statesman and industrialist, see Léon Metz.
Leon Claire Metz
Born(1930-11-06)November 6, 1930
Parkersburg, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedNovember 15, 2020(2020-11-15) (aged 90)
El Paso, TX
Occupationcultural historian. author, columnist, television personality
Years active1958-2020
Spouse(s)Cheryl Schilling
Children4
AwardsSaddleman Award (1985)

Early life and career

Metz was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia,[1] and graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1948. He then joined the US Air Force during the Korean War.[2] He was primarily stationed at Biggs Army Airfield in El Paso, where he was a propeller mechanic, attaining the rank of staff sergeant, which he would later portray in his book Fort Bliss: An Illustrated History. C.L. "Doc" Sonnichsen a noted historian himself, would serve as an early mentor for the young Metz.

Literary and other works

Metz wrote between fifteen and nineteen books,[3][2] most notably John Selman: Texas Gunfighter and a biography of Old West lawman Pat Garrett. Metz also hosted a weekly column in the El Paso Times and hosted a radio show, The Leon Metz Show on KTSM, which related to Southwestern U.S. history. He was often seen on BBC television specials about the west. On June 16, 2012 Metz contributed his voice to an alternative hip hop album entitled Greetings from El Paso, a concept album about El Paso, Texas by local rapper Zyme One.

Awards

He was the 2010 Winner of the Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Historical Commission. This award recognizes an individual who has made a significant, long-term contribution to historic preservation in Texas.[4]

In 1985 he was awarded the Saddleman Award.

Personal life

Metz, who lived in El Paso, Texas since the days after his graduation from high school, was married to the former Cheryl Schilling, a speech therapist for autistic children. They have four adult children. Leon Metz passed away on November 15, 2020 in El Paso from complications of COVID-19. [3][5]

References
  1. "Parkersburg, West Virginia". City-Data.com. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
  2. Simonich, Milan (9 May 2010). "A history of Leon Metz: Old West chronicler took circuitous route to El Paso". el Paso Times. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  3. "El Paso Author & Historian Leon Metz Has Died". KISS FM. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  4. "Leon Claire Metz". Penguin Random House. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
  5. Casillas, Mauricio. "Famed El Paso historian Leon Metz has died". KVIA. KVIA News. Retrieved 16 November 2020.


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