Ray S. “Deacon” Leonard
Ray S. “Deacon” Leonard, 93, of Ohiopyle, left this earthly life on December 31, 2007, to enter into his eternal… Ray S. “Deacon” Leonard, 93, of Ohiopyle, left this earthly life on December 31, 2007, to enter into his eternal life.
He was born July 19, 1914, in Ohiopyle a son of the late Homer and Anna Sproul Leonard.
Ray was a life long resident of Ohiopyle and a graduate of the former Ohiopyle High School with the class of 1934. The citizens of Ohiopyle Borough elected Ray to serve as Mayor and he served in that capacity for 12 years. Ray was a member of the Ohiopyle United Methodist Church. He was also a charter member of the Ohiopyle Vol. Fire Dept. As a businessman Ray operated his own saw mill, Ray Leonard Lumber, for many years, and was also skilled in wood working, leaving behind many beautiful pieces for others to enjoy for years to come. Ray had many accomplishments in his life to be proud of and he told stories about them to all who would listen. He was very proud of the time he gave to serve our country in the United States Army. Ray was a highly decorated World War II veteran who served in the European Theatre of action. He received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action in France and the Bronze Star just to name a few of the Medals and citations he received. Ray was also a member of the Connellsville VFW 21 and the Disabled American Veterans in Hopwood.
Ray will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his brother, Lawrence Leonard and wife, Doris of Ohiopyle; and by his nephew, Dale Leonard and wife, Candee of Ohiopyle with whom Ray had lived with for the last three years; and many other loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Ray was predeceased by his wife, Dorothea V. Bowers Leonard in 1997 and the following siblings: Robert, Olbert “Ollie”, Helen, Russell, Fred, Elwood and Warner “Beanie” Leonard.
Family and friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the CLYDE BROOKS FUNERAL HOME INC., Route 711 Melcroft, where a service to honor and remember Ray will be held Friday at 11 a.m., with Pastor Thomas Bonomo, Pastor Martin Stewart, Pastor Don Hersom and Lay Minister Connie Smithburger co-officiating.
A committal service and interment will follow in the Normalville Cemetery.
Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by the Connellsville VFW and American Legion and Trotter American Legion Honor Guard.
Ohiopyle Vol. Fire Dept. will conduct a service Thursday at 8 p.m in the funeral home.
To sign the on line guest registry please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes. com