In Memoriam : J V Leonard
|
J V Leonard - age: 96
(October 09, 1919 to January 25, 2016 ) Resident of Palmdale, California Visitation Information: Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 31, 2016, from 2-4 pm at Evans Miller Guinn Chapel. Chapel Service are being held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. with graveside following at the Exeter Cemetery with military honors. Obituary: J.V. Leonard age 96 passed peacefully from this Earth on Jan. 25, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Elsie “Dink”, who waited patiently for 9 years to welcome him home. They were married for 61 years and 4 mo. J.V. was born in Joplin, MO. To Jess and Elvie Leonard. As a young boy they moved to Arkansas where he grew up with his two brothers James and O. P. and sister Thelma, all of whom preceded him in death. J.V. was a WWII veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington when news came of the bombing in Pearl Harbor. He served in the 146th Field Batallion 41st Infantry Division. They were only told that they were headed to the Pacific Theater and were under way to Australia when the Coral Sea Battle happened. J. V. served in the major battles of Dutch New Guinea at Pt. Moresby, Biak Island, Windy Island, along with the deadly battle of Pancake Hill which took place near Hollandia in Humboldt Bay on the northern coast of Dutch New Guinea. His last battle took place in Zamboanga, Philippines. J.V. proudly earned a Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Service Ribbon along with two Bronze Service Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and One Bronze Star. After the war ended J.V. remained lifelong friends with many who served with him. J.V. was a man of many trades. Anyone who knew him knows that if there was daylight in the sky, he was busy doing something. He held many jobs throughout his life but the two he was most proud of were The Ford Motor Company in Michigan and Rockwell International where he worked during the Space Shuttle Program. He was also proud of the fact that while there he invented a device that improved the safety of his co-workers. After retirement he lived for several years in Exeter, CA, and then returned to Arkansas to enjoy life. Being away from his children and grandchildren didn’t go over well so they finally returned to CA to be near them. Anyone who knew J.V. knew how radiant he was while spending time with his grandchildren. One of the things he was most proud of in his life was that he was present for every one of their births. In addition he loved taking them fishing, going on walks, going for donut’s while visiting and to get ice cream. Those memories meant the world to him and he will forever be cherished by his family. J.V. loved to fish and enjoyed many fish fries with friends and family. He loved country music and dancing with his beloved Dink. Anyone who knew J.V. and Dink knew that they loved children. All children were welcome in their home and many took advantage of their love and kindness. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than spending time with his family and it was a large one. J.V. is survived by his children, Sandra and Gerald Brown of Bremerton, WA, Gina and Cliff Montuoro of San Jacinto, CA, Jimmie and Laurie Leonard of Palmdale, CA along with nine grandchildren and their spouses and 6 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him and numerous friends and neighbors that he cherished throughout his life 
|