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Francis LeBaron Leany

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Francis LeBaron Leany

Birth
Hurricane, Washington County, Utah, USA
Death
8 Feb 2013 (aged 88)
Saint George, Washington County, Utah, USA
Burial
Santa Clara, Washington County, Utah, USA Add to Map
Plot
3A09
Memorial ID
View Source
On February 8, 2013, amid the billowing clouds, a clap of thunder and a gen­tle winter rain, Francis L. Leany was ushered into the heavens from whence he came, back into the loving arms of his beloved wife, Velma Reber Leany.

He was born April 6, 1924 in Hurricane, Utah to Wilford and Jennie Leota Leany. Francis cherished his youthful days in the red rock and fertile valley where he learned the value of hard work from his father, work­ing on the farm and in the vineyards. His early years were filled with the simple pleasures of life and creat­ing lasting memories with his brothers. His family in­cluded Marzelle Covington (Durell), Theron (Helen) and Marion (Dorothy).

Following High School years in Hurricane, Francis enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served valiantly in World War II as a radio specialist on a B17 aircraft. Upon his re­turn home he met Velma Reber, strikingly beauti­ful girl from Santa Clara. Following their courtship they were married in the St. George LDS Temple on February 23, 1946, and became the parents of seven children: Claire Rigby (Floyd), Gregory (Kathryn), Jeanette Graff (Butch), Valene Walter (Mark), Francene Hanning (Douglas), Sandra Smith (Dave) and Brad (Jolene).

While raising their fam­ily, Francis worked as a journeyman painting con­tractor, and continued his education at the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, and at Utah State University in Logan, graduating with a degree in Art Design. Favorite times with his family included hunting, fishing and hiking - never failing to remember from where that abundance and blessings came from. As patriarch of his family, Francis will ever be remem­bered for his strong testi­mony and his dedicated ser­vice and leadership in the Church. With good char­acter beyond reproach, he was always assisting, com­forting, and blessing those who were less fortunate.

Francis had a unique love for nature and God's handi­work and could find beauty in the smallest of creations in the desert or on a moun­taintop. He founded L&R Designers in St. George which afforded him the op­portunity to use his ability to take natural creations and combine them with color, art and original de­sign which resulted in art pieces and decorating skills that adorned many homes throughout the Southwest today. This unique talent as an interior designer gave him the sacred opportu­nity of participating in the renovation decoration of the St. George Temple, and the responsibility of the im­portant renovation task of refurbishing and preserving the historic interior of the St. George Tabernacle.

His 88 years confirm his dependence upon grow­ing and consuming only the healthiest of foods. He prided himself in knowing, understanding and living the Lord's Word of Wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his eternal sweetheart, Velma; and his siblings. For the last thir­teen years he was enjoying the companionship of his childhood friend, Evelyn Stout. They have cared for one another and found happiness together.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the St. George LDS Stake Center, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from at Metcalf Mortuary and on Saturday, prior to servic­es at the Stake Center.

Interment will follow at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary
On February 8, 2013, amid the billowing clouds, a clap of thunder and a gen­tle winter rain, Francis L. Leany was ushered into the heavens from whence he came, back into the loving arms of his beloved wife, Velma Reber Leany.

He was born April 6, 1924 in Hurricane, Utah to Wilford and Jennie Leota Leany. Francis cherished his youthful days in the red rock and fertile valley where he learned the value of hard work from his father, work­ing on the farm and in the vineyards. His early years were filled with the simple pleasures of life and creat­ing lasting memories with his brothers. His family in­cluded Marzelle Covington (Durell), Theron (Helen) and Marion (Dorothy).

Following High School years in Hurricane, Francis enlisted in the Army Air Force where he served valiantly in World War II as a radio specialist on a B17 aircraft. Upon his re­turn home he met Velma Reber, strikingly beauti­ful girl from Santa Clara. Following their courtship they were married in the St. George LDS Temple on February 23, 1946, and became the parents of seven children: Claire Rigby (Floyd), Gregory (Kathryn), Jeanette Graff (Butch), Valene Walter (Mark), Francene Hanning (Douglas), Sandra Smith (Dave) and Brad (Jolene).

While raising their fam­ily, Francis worked as a journeyman painting con­tractor, and continued his education at the Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City, and at Utah State University in Logan, graduating with a degree in Art Design. Favorite times with his family included hunting, fishing and hiking - never failing to remember from where that abundance and blessings came from. As patriarch of his family, Francis will ever be remem­bered for his strong testi­mony and his dedicated ser­vice and leadership in the Church. With good char­acter beyond reproach, he was always assisting, com­forting, and blessing those who were less fortunate.

Francis had a unique love for nature and God's handi­work and could find beauty in the smallest of creations in the desert or on a moun­taintop. He founded L&R Designers in St. George which afforded him the op­portunity to use his ability to take natural creations and combine them with color, art and original de­sign which resulted in art pieces and decorating skills that adorned many homes throughout the Southwest today. This unique talent as an interior designer gave him the sacred opportu­nity of participating in the renovation decoration of the St. George Temple, and the responsibility of the im­portant renovation task of refurbishing and preserving the historic interior of the St. George Tabernacle.

His 88 years confirm his dependence upon grow­ing and consuming only the healthiest of foods. He prided himself in knowing, understanding and living the Lord's Word of Wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his eternal sweetheart, Velma; and his siblings. For the last thir­teen years he was enjoying the companionship of his childhood friend, Evelyn Stout. They have cared for one another and found happiness together.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the St. George LDS Stake Center, 591 West 500 North, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Friday evening from at Metcalf Mortuary and on Saturday, prior to servic­es at the Stake Center.

Interment will follow at the Santa Clara City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary


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