Leonard Back Jr.

Leonard Back Jr. (Bugs) crossed from earthly life to eternal life on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at the Atrium Medical Center. He was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts on September 23, 1932. His family moved to Middletown when he was three years old and he lived here until his death. Bugs graduated from Middletown High School in 1951 and left for the U.S. Marine Corps on June 7, 1951. He served in Korea and attained the rank of Sergeant. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned to Middletown where he worked at Armco Steel Corporation for 39 years. In 1979 Bugs made the most important decision of his life when he accepted Christ as his Savior, followed Him in baptism and received God's promise of eternal life. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffrey Leonard Back, parents Leonard and Nellie Back, brother Alfred Back, and sister Michele Pickett. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Pressler Back, his daughters Kathy Hodel and Suzette (Dave) DelGrosso, grandchildren Joshua Hodel, Heather and Amber Fox, and his sister Barbara (Fred) Pummill. Special friends are Cheryl Peters, Debbie McKee of Middletown, Debra McKee of Newport, Kentucky, Shannon Murray, Barbara Langworthy, Diana Ihle, Carol Hoskins, Dan Post, William Creekbaum, Tim and Bev Chalfin, and Charles and Francine Edwards. Foxie, his faithful dog companion, misses him. The family thanks Dr. Mark Frazer and his staff for their care throughout Bugs' eleven year illness, the Atrium North Fourth Floor nurses of December 13, 2012 for their care and concern of both Bugs and his family and the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler staff for their guidance and handling of the funeral. Also, we thank Virginia Kirby, his home health attendant, Carmen Boyle and Kristi Shetter, his home health nurses, and Jason and John of Middletown Medic Unit 3. We appreciate the kindness and service of Reverend James Kinser. A Celebration of Life service was held Monday, December 17, 2012 in the Woodside Chapel with burial at Woodside Cemetery. Suzette and Dave DelGrosso hosted a meal for family and friends in their home following the burial. Family and friends can donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40502 or Honor Flight Inc., Attn: Diane Gresse, 300 E. Auburn Ave., Springfield, Ohio 45505 to honor his memory. BUGS, YOU ARE FREE AT LAST!