Leonard Smith Stubbs, 96, departed this life on September 14, 2017. Leonard had an unwavering spirit that never faltered until his final breath. His persistence and dedication served his family, his country, and his religious convictions throughout his life. Those who were blessed to know Leonard benefited greatly from his lifelong service to others. He longed to be reunited with his beloved Rose each and every day after she left this earth in 2005.

Leonard was born on June 1, 1921 in Lindon, Utah to Albert Owen and Velma Smith Stubbs. He was the middle of three boys and finally a baby sister. The family moved to Boulder City in 1933, but his mother died shortly after the move when Leonard was only 12. His dad then married Afton Salisbury and three more brothers were born.

After his graduation from Las Vegas High School he married his sweetheart, Rose Carolyn Higgins, in the St. George LDS Temple. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps to become a pilot in WWII. He flew the P-38 Lightning fighter plane in the European Theater of Operations.

Rose had their first child after Leonard began his training to become a pilot. After the war the family added four more biological children, adopted two, and fostered one more. Leonard had high expectations for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Although he may have been disappointed in the moment, his pride in his family was evident in his home office, where the walls were covered with their photos. He was a great storyteller and his children and grandchildren heard stories about his youth and childhood and later about his wartime experiences. Those stories also went into his talks since they usually contained a lesson or two.

Leonard always had a kind word, a candy hidden in his suit coat pockets, a tall tale, a quickstep dance, or $1.10 for his grandchildren and others. (The ten cents was for the Lord.) His influence through example was felt throughout Boulder City where he was called a “modern pioneer...influential in making Boulder City the place it is today.” As a bishop, stake president, missionary, stake patriarch, and temple sealer, Leonard guided many through example and wise words which he exemplified in his own life.

Leonard's talents and abilities seemed to be unlimited, but it was his drive, commitment, and love for others that made him so successful in life. Even as he struggled with Alzheimer's, his resolve to live life to the fullest was unwavering. His sense of humor and hospitality were present to the end as he joked with his visitors, making sure they all had something to eat or drink. He offered up his gluten-free cookie stash or a Werther’s butterscotch candy out of his endless supply. His generosity was unequaled.

Leonard is survived by children Carl J. (Joy), Robert S. (Lolly), Carolyn M. (Georges), H. Jo Ann, Cynthia G., Leonard E., John C. (Heather); 38 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; his sister Darlene; brothers Gerald (E.J.), and Harold (Trudy). Preceded in death by wife, Rose C. Higgins Stubbs and daughter Donna Stubbs Takier.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 21 and from 10-11 a.m. Friday, September 22 with services to follow, both at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Fifth St. Chapel in Boulder City. Graveside services will be at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com   

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