Leonard Charles Kearl

Leonard Charles Kearl passed away peacefully in his home on September 11, 2009, of natural causes. He has gone to be with his beloved Dorothy and family. He was born on August 4, 1915 to Lester C. Kearl and Olivia Wheatley Kearl in Logan, Utah. He was raised in a happy and loving home surrounded by close family, including two brothers. He attended Logan High School and Utah State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1937. He met Dorothy Cowley in 1939 and they were inseparable throughout the next four years and were married in June of 1942. Once, when asked how long they dated, Leonard said, "we still are." Together they experienced World War II, Leonard in the United States Army where he served in North Africa and Italy, and Dorothy on the home front. Together they raised a son and a daughter, homesteaded a farm in Idaho, built and ran a pair of businesses in Logan, and traveled extensively, both in his capacity with Utah State University and for pleasure. After his retirement from USU, Leonard received his Ph.D. at the age of 68 from Utah State University. At that time he was the oldest person to have done so at USU. In 1983 they were called to a mission in Haiti and Jamaica, an experience of a lifetime and a lifelong goal of Leonard's. Leonard held several civic and church positions, and retired from the United States Army Reserve as a Lt. Colonel. Together they visited over 68 countries throughout the world and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June 2007, just before her death. Throughout it all, Leonard's strength of will, integrity, and sense of humor carried the day.
A son, Leonard C. Kearl, Jr. "Korky" (Elaine), and a daughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Dunsey (Ron), survive Leonard. He has 5 grandchildren, Jeane (Bruce), Jay (Jackie), Katie (Gordon), Chris (Tauree) and Lindsey (Jeft). His 13 greatgrandchildren and his canine buddy, Westie, also survive him.
Services will be held for friends and family at 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 19, 2009 in the North Logan Third Ward Chapel, 1850 North 400 East in North Logan. There will be a viewing prior to services at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenmortuaries.net
As anyone who knew our Dad knows, education was always very important to him. In keeping with this, we are asking those friends who so desire, and in lieu of flowers, contribute to the Perpetual Education Fund in his name or the charity of their choice.
Our Father had a wonderful life here in Logan. He had, and has, many dear friends. On his behalf, we would like to thank each of you for making his life that much richer. We would like to thank all his friends and Hospice for their assistance during the last few weeks.
He loved God, his family, and his country. He will be missed.