Leo Wendell Hardy

Our hearts are heavy with the passing of our husband and father, Leo Wendell Hardy, at home surrounded by his family April 12, 2014. He is our American Hero. He was born August 22, 1920, on a farm in Paris, Illinois, to William Alfred and Cora Belle Sater Hardy. He attended grade school in a one-room school house, later graduating from Paris High School in 1938. He then went on to attend Eastern Illinois Teachers College. He joined the Army August 7, 1940. While stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah, he met his wife, Margaret LaVean Thomson, and they were married in 1942. They were later sealed in the Jordan River Temple August 23, 1997. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. After transferring from the Army to the US Air Force, he flew 52 bombing missions as a bombardier, in the South Pacific, during WWII. He received several Air medals, Presidential medals along with other medals. He has four daughters and one son. As a long-time resident of West Jordan, Utah he was surrounded by good friends and neighbors. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters; and a beloved grandson. Survived by his wife; daughters: Margaret (Keith) Player, Taylorsville, UT; Nancy (Ryan Pete) Turpin, New Harmony, UT; Linda (Dale) Hepworth, Cedar City, UT; Rebecca (Frank) Wojtech, Taylorsville, UT; son, Leo William (Roberta) Hardy, Price, UT; 23 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; and 14 great-great grandchildren. The family wishes to express heartfelt appreciation to Summit Hospice, especially Chantelle and Levy for their tender, loving care of our father. We also want to thank the wonderful neighbors and friends for their compassionate service and friendship to our parents. Place of Birth:Paris, IllinoisPlace of Death:West Jordan, Utah