Arthur Lawrence Leonard, age 82, a native of West Hazleton, Penn., and a resident of Daphne, passed away on July 6, 2021.
Art graduated from West Hazleton High school. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on U-2 reconnaissance aircraft as a structural mechanic. After his four years of service, he attended Wichita State University on a football scholarship. In 1968 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard as a structural mechanic working on H-52 & H3 helicopters and doing search and rescue on the water. He retired from military service in 1984 at Air Training Center Mobile. He worked for BF Goodrich as a structural mechanic working on turbine engine thrust reversers and retired from there after 20 years. In his spare time, Art enjoyed woodworking projects and exercising at the gym. He was an avid reader enjoining mysteries and all things historic.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert J. Leonard and Anna Neveras; brothers, Albert A. Leonard, Peter Leonard, Noel Leonard, Jene Leonard, Lee Leonard, David Leonard and Mark Leonard; and sisters, Alverna Edwards, Patricia Yacina, Felicia Edwards, Mary Luckanavage, and Judy Leonard.
Art is survived by his wife of 51 years, Willie Ardoin Leonard; children, Erik (Dawn) Leonard, Asheville, N.C. and Damon Leonard, Mobile; and one granddaughter, Emma Grace Leonard of Asheville, N.C.; and siblings, Donald Leonard, Hazleton Penn., Paul Leonard, Hazelton Penn., and James Leonard, Beaver Meadows, Penn.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the nursing and floor staff at Mobile Infirmary on floors three and four.
A graveside service will be held at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 34904 Hwy. 225 in Spanish Fort, on Friday, July 23, 2021, at 10 a.m.
A memorial mass will be held at Little Flower Catholic Church, 2053 Government St., Mobile, on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10 a.m. There will be a time of visitation before the service beginning at 9 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Little Flower Catholic School at 2103 Government St, Mobile, Al. 36606.
Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, is assisting the family.
