Gary Lyle Leonard

Funeral services for longtime Cortez resident Gary Lyle Leonard will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dece. 11 at Cortez Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Empire Street Chapel with Bishop Douglas Pace officiating. Interment will follow at Sylvan Cemetery.

Visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church.

Gary was born April 11, 1939, in Arriola, Colo., to Richard Marvin and Hazel Norine (Pharo) Leonard. He passed away at his home on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, at the age of 74.

Gary served in the U.S. Navy for two tours. He was stationed on several ships including USS Lansing, USS Carpenter, USS Oriskany and USS Coral Sea. He was a member of Montezuma County VFW Post No. 5231. After serving in the Navy, Gary worked for Ford Motor Co. in California. He loved building with his hands, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and working crossword puzzles. Even though Gary had no children of his own, he loved children and they loved him back. Gary loved his dogs Bear and Shadow.

Surviving Gary are his brother, Norman Leonard and wife, Charlotte of Canon City, Colo.; sisters, Janet Trepanier of Cortez, and Neva Stacey and husband, Howard of Fallon, Nev.; nephews, Porter Trepanier and wife, Jessica, and Robert Leonard; nieces, Lisa Forsythe and husband, Shawn, Amber Riley and husband, David, and Dulcie Partida; great nieces and nephews, Alice and Dax Trepanier, Tyler and Preston Kuretich, Laurynn and Gabriella Riley, and Kim, Johanna, Kathrin, and Fernando Partida; and numerous cousins and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Hazel Leonard; and brother, Robert "Bob" Leonard.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For information or to send condolences, go to the obituary section at ertel funeralhome.com.