Leonard Lee Hill 89, Willard, MO. passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023, in his home, after a long illness. He was born on September 22, 1933, near LaRussell, MO in Jasper county. Leonard’s lifelong career as a lather/carpenter in construction, started as a teenager. He was widely recognized as a leader in that industry for over 50 years. In 1971, he was the first ever recipient of the Craftsman of The Year; an honor, awarded annually to one person for excellence in their craft by The Institute of Architects. After his retirement, he continued to build, and always had a project on the drawing board. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved, hunting and fishing. He also loved to garden and had a passion for planting trees.
Leonard was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley, his parents, Afton and and Cora , his son, Terry, his grand-daughter: Jamie, and two sisters: Freda and Bonnie. He is survived by his wife, Judy, two sons: Garry (Debbie) and James (Sherry) his daughter: Rhonda (Mike) , nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two brothers: Charles and Kenneth and two sisters: Mary and Sharon
A celebration of life for Leonard Hill will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday April 15, 2023, at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, officiating will be Rev. Michael Hill.