Thweatt

Memorial services for Leonard West Thweatt, 72, of Morrison will be held Jan. 10 at Morrison United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

He departed this life Dec. 18.

Leonard was born August 19, 1942 to Jesse Hobart and Jimmie (West) Thweatt who were tobacco farmers in the mountains of beautiful Smithville, Tennessee.

The fourth of seven children, he attended a one-room school house as a boy, before moving to Memphis. Enlisting in the US Army in 1961, he enjoyed being stationed in Augsburg, Germany where he drove tanks and trained as a sharpshooter.

At 23, he married the love of his life, Norma Sue Loyd. They shared 50 wonderful years together and three children: Mark Phillips (51) of Oregon, Illinois, Jessie (Anthony) Harvey (47) of Rockford, Illinois and Kellie (Brandon) Pudlas (44) of Mt. Morris, Illinois.

Leonard worked for 40 years in the printing trade and was well liked by all. He was a great provider, and always willing to help a friend in need, or even a stranger. He was a fair and honest, with a great sense of humor.

He loved spending time with his grandkids; Troy Pudlas (19), Kelsey Pudlas (17), Katelin Pudlas (13), and Preston Harvey (7).

Leonard was a great artist, loved music, British motorcycles, history, and nature. His beloved dog Ruby brought him much joy. He will be forever remembered and treasured.

Surviving siblings include Hazel Reagh of Smithville, Wayne Thweatt of Bartlett, Joan Abel of Holly Springs, Mississippi, and Cathy Vachon of Memphis.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and sisters Billie Jean Thweatt and Charlotte Bruno.

Heartfelt thanks to Stacey and all the staff at Hospice of the Rock River Valley for their loving care. To honor Leonard just play a Willie Nelson song, have a cold beer, and smile.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Hospice of the Rock River Valley.

McDonald Funeral Home, Fulton, Illinois was in charge of the arrangements