Harry Richard "Bud" Leonard

FARMINGTON - Harry "Bud" Richard Leonard of Farmington, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at the age of 94 years. He was born on March 14, 1920, at Webb City, Missouri, son of the late George Warren Leonard and Eva Mae (Ford) Leonard. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Howard Edward Leonard and a sister, Faye Stubblefield

Bud spent most of his childhood in Southwest Missouri until moving to the Farmington area in 1931 to help manage a cattle farm owned by Dr. Tetley. He worked on the farm until serving with the CCC from October of 1937 until September of 1939. Soon after that in 1941 he was drafted into the U. S. Army. He proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, Battery A of the 755th AAA Gun Battalion. After his honorable discharge from the military he came back to Missouri where he resumed farming and began rodeoing. In March of 1952 he married Dorothy Marie Jones, who survives. During his rodeo career he earned many achievements leading to his placement in the Pro-rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO. He began working for Mississippi Lime Co. in 1967 until his retirement in 1982. After retirement he continued doing what he enjoyed most, farming. Bud will be remembered by all who knew him for his unique sense of humor and his captivating stories.

Survivors in addition to Dorothy include a son, Willie (Apryl) Leonard; three grandchildren, Amy Kubala, Joey Leonard and Kaye Leigh Leonard; three great-grandchildren, Dante, Steven and Joseph; daughter-in-law, Judy Penfield; a special adopted granddaughter, Stephanie Hasty; one sister, Ruth Sherlock; a niece, Shirley Bast and nephew, David Sherlock.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 28 at Cozean Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m. with Joe Swink officiating. View the online obituary and share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com.