John Myles Leonard of Hermiston, was born on December 7, 1928 in Kearney, Nebraska. He died on August 16, 2015 in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 86 years. John was raised by Joe and Rita Mohatt Leonard for a good part of his childhood in Craig, Colorado. Rita then relocated her family to the Willamette Valley before moving to Portland, Oregon. John was united in marriage to Ann Marie Elliott on April 11, 1953 in Portland, Oregon.
They lived in Portland and John worked for the United States Postal Service. He retired as the superintendent of registry in 1992 after 42 years of service. They moved to Hermiston, Oregon in 1996 where they have lived since. He enjoyed elk hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. John cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years: Ann Marie Leonard, Hermiston, OR; daughter: Karen Yvonne Breese (Tom), Potlatch, ID; son: Matthew “Matt” Leonard (Deanna), Hermiston, OR; son-in-law: Dennis Dixon, Falls City, WA; brothers: Joe Leonard, AZ, Bob & Dave Leonard, both of Prineville, OR, & Mike Leonard, Battleground, WA; sister: Kathy Bushman, Portland, OR; 8 grandchildren; one great grandson on the way; numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter: Molly Cecilia Dixon; granddaughter: Elizabeth “Liz” Breese; sisters: Virginia Miller, Mary Lebold, & Margaret Childs; and a brother: Pat Leonard.
Recitation of the rosary will be held at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, Hermiston, Oregon on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. with Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:30 A.M.
Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery, Hermiston, Oregon.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.
