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Harold Dean Leonhardt
( March 29, 1928 - April 25, 2020 )
Mr. Harold Dean Leonhardt, age 92, of Highway 182 in Crouse, died unexpectedly at Atrium Health in Shelby, on Saturday, April 25, 2020.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at Bethphage Lutheran Church Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Service for immediate family will follow at Anthony Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Bean officiating.   His body will lie in state from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Warlick Funeral Home for those wishing to pay their respect, however, his family will not be present.

Mr. Leonhardt was born March 29, 1928 in Lincoln County to the late Jacob and Dora Bessie Summit Leonhardt.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rosco Leonhardt, Blanche Leonhardt Jones, Cone Leonhardt, Bryce Leonhardt, Carl Leonhardt, Blaine Leonhardt, Glenn Leonhardt and Paul Leonhardt.

Harold was the last of his generation.  He was just a country boy with a 9th grade education who liked to chew his backer and taking a drink, but smart as a whip that led to many accomplishments.  His favorite hobby was working and making a dollar.  He was known by Harold, Old Man, Sam, Whitey, Mr. Leonhardt, daddy, pop, paw-paw and paw.  He was a lively character that loved to tell his stories from being in the Navy, stationed at Pearl Harbor, being on the police department in Hawaii, the first dog catcher of Lincoln County, manager of Dixie Home Stores, and retiring as a chicken inspector with the USDA.  He was a stubborn man that felt fiercely, whether it be with liking or disliking, if that’s how he felt, there was no changing of his mind.  He loved living at the old home place where he was born, “farming” with his tractors and over the years, raising cows, collie dogs, and having a garden.  There are many fond memories we will treasure and the “chicken dance” is a classic.  Harold was tough as a pine knot, loved by many and will forever be missed.

Survivors include one son, Ricky Dean Leonhardt and wife Gail of Lincolnton; one daughter, Deana Leonhardt Lail and husband Wesley of Cherryville; seven grandchildren, Jason Leonhardt and wife Gaby, Jared Leonhardt and wife Erica, Matthew Leonhardt and wife Carla, Derrick Leonhardt and wife Amanda, Fallyn Putnam and husband Tyler, Haylee Kinman and Rylee Kinman; ten great grandchildren.

Posted on 26 Apr 2020


 

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