Elmer Harrison Leonard

Elmer Harrison Leonard, 83, of Oak Avenue, died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at his home after declining health for six months. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 12, at Davidson Funeral Home Chapel, by the Revs. Frankie Matthews, Sandy Young and Darrin Everhart. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Park with military graveside rites by VFW Post 3074. Mr. Leonard was born October 12, 1925, in Davidson County, to Harrison Lee Leonard and Letha Ila Koontz Leonard. He was a graduate from Lexington Senior High School Class of 1942; served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a prisoner of war from the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Victory of World War II Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, American Campaign Medal, and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3074; American Legion; and a former Optimist member. He was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and also had worked at Burlington Industries. Mr. Leonard was a member of Sheets Memorial Baptist Church where he served as a Junior Department Sunday school teacher and usher of the church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Vanderford Leonard; brothers, Garland Leonard and Paul Hill; and sisters, Myrtle Leonard and Blanche Tysinger. Surviving are daughters, Linda Leonard of Lexington and Kay Chaplin and husband, Bill, of Frederick, Md.; grandchildren, Joe Chaplin of Millbrook, Al., Michelle Printz and husband, Roger, of Frederick, Md., and Marja Forrest and husband, Kevin of Williamsport, Md.; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler Printz, Allyson Printz, Payton Forrest, and Garett Forrest. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and other times at the home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, Hinkle Hospice House, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292; or Sheets Memorial Baptist Church, 210 Cotton Grove Road, Lexington, NC 27292.