Howard Leavitt

Howard Leavitt

Cannonville, Utah

Howard Leavitt, Sr., 92, passed away on January 30, 2017, in St. George, Utah. He was born on November 28, 1924, in Mesquite, Nevada to Edgar and Bertha Hafen Leavitt.

During World War II, Howard enlisted in the United States Army and fought valiantly for his country in North Africa and Italy, as part of the famed 10th Mountain Division. He was wounded in action and earned a purple heart and silver star. After the war, he served as a military policeman at Fort Douglas.

On June 6, 1946, while still serving his country, Howard met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Jane Graff. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. Dorothy passed away on 31 January 2006.

Following his military service, Howard worked for the Atomic Energy Commission at the Nevada Test Site, and later worked in construction. After he was injured at work, Howard and Dorothy retired and moved to Cannonville, where they had a very happy life together. Howard served as a member of the town council, and was instrumental in beautifying the Cannoville Town Cemetery. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He performed military rites at the interment of many fellow veterans through the years.

Howard enjoyed fishing and gardening. Each year he raised a huge garden, and delighted in sharing the vegetables he raised with others. He was a charitable person, and although he never had many worldly possessions, he was always willing to share what he had, including his time. More than anything else, he was a gentle, kind man who loved his family and was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

Howard is survived by his children: Howard (Annette) Leavitt, Jr., Kaysville; Richard (Lou Jean) Leavitt, Las Vegas, NV; Launa (Rick) Caldwell, Brigham City; Kelly (Wallace) Lee, Panguitch; brother, Harry Leavitt, AZ. He has 23 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, his infant son, parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., in the Cannonville Ward Chapel where friends may call Sunday from 6-8 pm, and on the morning of the services from 9:30-10:30. Burial will be in the Cannonville Cemetery with military rites by the Bryce Valley American Legion Post #18. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com

The family would like to thank the Bryce Valley EMT’s, Tropic Fire Department, Joe Thompson, and the doctors, nurses and staff of Garfield Memorial Hospital and Dixie Regional Medical Center, for their love, concern, care and service.