Leon W. Hoard, 73, of Bronson, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at his daughter’s home.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 4:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson with Pastor Terry Siler from the First Congregational Church officiating. The family will receive friends, prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Leon was born November 27, 1941 in Coldwater, MI to Weldon & Jeanette (Davis) Hoard. He married Gloria Wiser in 1964 who was the mother of his children, she preceded him in death in 2008. He was also married to JoAnn Crabill for several years, he later married Euretta (Mullins) Jacobs in 1994, she survives.
Mr. Hoard graduated from Bronson High School in 1961, where he was proud to have been an all-star athlete in many sports. He worked for Harter’s in Sturgis and owned and operated L & J Upholstery for many years. He later retired from Ross Labs.
Leon enjoyed playing the accordion and dancing. He loved to watch drag racing and go up north, snowmobiling with friends. Most of all, he adored his grandchildren and loved to watch them in their many sporting activities.
In addition to his wife, Leon is survived by his children Kelly (Rick) Outwater, Amber (Tony) Wotta all of Bronson, Kenny (Amie) Hoard of Angola, IN, Sheila (Keith) Smith of Florida, his brother Leo Hoard of Bronson, his grandchildren Mersadie (Chasen Evans) Outwater, Alexsis (Laine Houtz) Outwater, Paris Outwater, Kennedy Outwater, Karlyn (Travis) Pritchard, Hudson, Emerie, Sayler & Warner Wotta, Tyler Smith, Trevor (Alysia) Smith, Tucker Smith and great grandchildren Jax & Zane Richards. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter Kimberly Renee Hoard and brothers Cleo & Leonard Hoard.
Memorials may be directed to Branch County Humane Society or the Bronson Athletic Boosters. www.dutcherfh.com.