Chester LeRoy Leonard
March 13, 1927 - December 4, 2010
Chet Leonard
1927 – 2010
On the fourth of December Chester LeRoy Leonard passed away at the age of 83, after a long and fulfilling life. He was born in Parsons, Kansas on March 13, 1927, to Lawrence Siverd Leonard and Virginia Mae Louderback Leonard.
Chet served in the Navy during WWII. After the war, he graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. This began a long and distinguished career in the design and construction of complex projects including hydro-electric dams, coal fired and nuclear power plants, power transmission lines, and coal handling facilities. He used his knowledge and experience to become a nationally recognized and respected expert in construction management and claims analysis; he was still consulting the day before he passed away. He was a lifelong member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Chet’s work has touched millions of people and made their lives better.
Chet married LaVerne Mary Serbousek in Yuma, Arizona on April 6, 1951. They were looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next spring. Together they raised two sons, Geoff (Kris) of Salt Lake and John (Delene) of Sandy. He was also the proud and devoted grandfather of Megan, Katie, Michael, Kevin, Rachel, and Sean. Chet is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Abner, Esther, Barbara, and Donald.
Friends and colleagues can celebrate Chet’s life on Thursday, December 9, from 6 to 8 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, December 10, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 East Spring Lane (5000 South), Salt Lake City. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 4th Ave. and “T” St., Salt Lake City.
Our family appreciates all who cared for Chet, especially his caregivers at Love Hospice and Wasatch Dialysis.
In Loving Memory
John, Geoff and LaVerne, I was sorry to hear of Chet's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Ben Ling
Park City, ut
John and Delene. Sorry to read about your Dad's passing. He has an amazing Son named John. Its hard to lose a parent, but know that he is in a better place and free from the pain of this earth. We love you and you are in our prayers.
Mel and Karen Pearson
Rexburg, Id
Living across the street from Chet and LaVerne for 36 years has been a wonderful privilege. We've shared fence and patio construction, crises when pipes have burst, the arrival of new children and grandchildren, as well as the ordinary, but glorious, details of daily life. Chet was one of the most intelligent, thoughtful and generous people I've known. A word person, he was a gifted writer. I remember dubbing him "the bard of Shirley Lane." He will be missed.
Linda Simpson
Salt Lake City, UT
LaVerne, Geoff and John. Sandy and I are so sorry to hear of Chet's passing. I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one. I remember the shared fence and patio construction as well. Chet was a very caring person an will be missed. I am sure that my parents were among those who have already passed who were there to greet Chet when he arrived on the other side. You are in our prayers.
Doug Lusty
Kaysville, UT
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts our prayers.
Ahmad Jaber
Salt Lake City, Ut
Dear La Verne, Geoff and Tiger, we want you to know that you are in our prayers. We will miss Chet but we know he is at peace now.. God Bless you
Dorothy and Jerry Kaffer
Holladay, Ut
LaVern we are very sorry to hear of your loss as we know how important Chet was in your life and it will take time to mend the hole that is left. As you told me, it had been discussed between you both that Chet's passing is a part of life. We hope that Chet can put a good word in with the Man upstairs in our behalf the way only he can, ?Looky Here? Lord, grant them peace!
John & Corliss Lipzinski
Sandy, Ut
I was very sorry to hear of Chet's passing. His obituary shows many impressive accomplishments; I am sure everyone who knew him will feel this loss keenly. My thoughts are with you.
Shirley Shafer
Salt Lake City, Ut
John, I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I read his obituary and was impressed with the career that he had. It was correct, his career did so much of others. Take care John in this time of sorrow, but celebrate your Dad's life.
Vern Keeslar
Midvale, Ut
John, Geoff, and Aunt LaVerne. I am sorry to her that Uncle Chet has passed away, I know you will miss him very much. Even though it has been a very long time ago I do miss talking to him about trains. He is a great man and many will miss him
Douglas E Leonard
745 Vintage Cir Destin, Fl