Leonard Orlando McVay, 96, of Piedmont, died Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Westhills Village Healthcare in Rapid City.
Leonard was born on November 22, 1923, at Platte, SD to Byron B. and Ida (Buchtel) McVay. He grew up in Platte and Black Hawk, SD. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1941. Leonard married Alta E (Cooper) McVay on January 22, 1947, and they moved to Piedmont, where they purchased their first home. They celebrated 72 years of marriage before Alta passed away in 2019. They were blessed with three children: Sheila (RT) Shaw, Don (Rita) McVay, Janet Mattern; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Leonard joined the Army during WWII. He served his country proudly in England in the Army Air Corp working on B-17's. As a civilian, he worked on B-25's and B-36's as an aircraft mechanic and sheet metal worker. He also worked as a Quality Control inspector on the Minuteman missiles and Housing Maintenance Supervisor at Ellsworth Air Force Base, retiring after 37 years of civil service. He was an active member for many years in the American Legion Post #311 serving as treasurer, Honor Guard and Memorial Day programs.
Leonard was a very active community member in Piedmont for all of his adult life until he & Alta moved to the retirement community, Westhills Independent Living in Rapid City. He was a Grace United Methodist Church board member, volunteer fireman, school board member, Piedmont Cemetery Board, instrumental in constructing the Piedmont gymnasium. which is still in active use today and presenting a program on our USA flag to the Piedmont grade school students on Veteran's Day. He also was Worthy Patron of Job's Daughters Bethel #12 in Sturgis and a Master Mason.
Leonard & Alta worked very well together, remodeling and building several homes in Piedmont. Their entire adult life was spent in Piedmont, the little town they loved! Carpentry was a favorite hobby of Leonard's. He was a wonderful role model for his grandchildren and taught them an admirable work ethic.
Leonard & Alta loved to go camping, fishing, dancing, playing card games and travelling. They were blessed to visit all 50 states!
Leonard gave much of his life, labor and love to his church, Grace United Methodist in Piedmont. He was a good friend to all and loved to strike up a conversation wherever he went and never met a stranger. He will be truly missed by all his numerous friends and family.
Survivors include his children and their families.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Alta.
Visitation will be held at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis from 5-7 pm on Friday, October 16, 2020.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont. Burial will follow at Piedmont Cemetery.
Memorials have been established to Grace United Methodist Church in Piedmont and American Legion Post 311.
"Love many, trust few
Always paddle your own canoe"

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Westhills Courtyard and Westhills Healthcare facility for their compassionate care and kindness for Leonard.

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