Richard "Dick" Dean Leonard

Richard "Dick" Dean Leonard, 85, of Fairbury, Nebraska sadly left this earth to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, August 11th, 2024. He was born to Guy and Elsie Leonard on February 27, 1939, in Fairbury, NE.

Dick graduated from Fairbury High School in 1957 and quickly joined the army where he served until 1960, being deployed in Korea for 16 months. After returning back to the States, he came back home to Fairbury where he was employed at Lincoln Telephone & Telegraph, working as a phone man until he retired in 1999.

He married the love of his life, Trudy Hatfield in May of 1970. To this Union, two children were born, Sara Leonard of Avoca, Nebraska and Eric Leonard of Fairbury, Nebraska.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of Communications of Workers, and member of the Blue Valley Throttle Twisters.

Dick loved spending time in his garden, refinishing antiques, traveling, hunting and fishing, camping, and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Dick is survived by his wife, Trudy, daughter Sara Leonard and grandson Berenger Leonard of Avoca, Nebraska, son Eric Leonard and grandchildren Jackson of Lincoln, NE, Mason, and Halle Leonard of Beatrice, Nebraska, brother Mike Leonard and Shirley of El Cajon, California, sister Kay Joyner of Jansen, Nebraska, brother-in-law, Dennis Hatfield and Loretta of Hickman, Nebraska, brother-in-law, Jay Hatfield and Marcia of Fairbury, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Brothers Charles Steele and Ardan Leonard and sister Pat Kappmeyer.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, August 15th from 5 to 7pm at Gerdes Meyer funeral home in Fairbury. Services will be Friday, August 16th at 11am at the United Methodist Church of Fairbury. Memorials will go to family's choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com