Obituary: HARDY, LEO

Leo Wendell Hardy1920 ~ 2014Our hearts are heavy with the passing of our husband and father, Leo Wendell Hardy, at home surrounded by his family April 12, 2014. He is our American Hero.He was born August 22, 1920 on a farm in Paris, Illinois to William Alfred and Cora Belle Sater Hardy. He attended grade school in a one room school house, later graduating from Paris High School in 1938. He then went on to attend Eastern Illinois Teachers College. He joined the Army August 7, 1940. While stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah he met his wife, Margaret LaVean Thomson and they were married in 1942. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple August 23, 1997. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. After transferring from the Army to the US Air Force, he flew 52 bombing missions as a bombardier, in the South Pacific, during WW II. He received several Air medals, Presidential medals along with other medals. He has four daughters and one son. As a long-time resident of West Jordan, Utah he was surrounded by good friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters; and a beloved grandson. Survived by his wife; daughters: Margaret (Keith) Player, Taylorsville, UT; Nancy (Ryan "Pete") Turpin, New Harmony, UT; Linda (Dale) Hepworth, Cedar City, UT; Rebecca (Frank) Wojtech, Taylorsville, UT; son, Leo William (Roberta) Hardy, Price, UT; 23 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren with two on the way; and 14 great-great grandchildren.The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Summit Hospice, especially Chantelle and Levy for their tender, loving care of our father. We also want to thank the wonderful neighbors and friends for their compassionate service and friendship to our parents.Funeral services will be held Monday, April 21, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the West Jordan 66th Ward, 7570 South 2700 West. Visitations will be held Sunday, April 20, 2014, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Monday at the church, 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Larkin Sunset Gardens.