Leonard Lovin

Leonard Lovin “Mr. Wonderful” passed away peacefully in his Mesa, Arizona home on June 30, 2016. He was 82 years old. Leonard is survived by his children; Sandra Lynne Lovin-Carton, Leonard Curtis Lovin, Randall Gene Lovin, Steven Allen Lovin, Kimball Jay Lovin, Dennis Keith Lovin, Darren Scott Lovin, Jennifer Marie Lovin-Williams, and Stacey Ann Lovin-Olsen. He was preceded in death by his two children: Russell Mark Lovin and Wilden Everett Lovin and his beloved wife Cherril Marble-Lovin.

Leonard was born in Robbinsville North Carolina on May 13, 1934. His parents were Ronald Curd Lovin and Della Juanita Stewart-Lovin, and he was the youngest of 6 children. Leonard loved his sibling dearly. Though he only lived in North Carolina for 8 years, those years were formative in terms of who he became as a person.

He attended Murphy Grade School in Phoenix, and Phoenix Tech High School. Leonard loved music. He was Band Major for his high school and was a member of several western bands in the early 1950’s. He was in a band with two of his siblings. They were a regular on a radio program, Ted Mack and The Original Amateur Hour, and were later on the television program of the same name. Leonard continued to sing throughout his life and instilled in his children their love for music.

Leonard married Cherril Marble on May 7, 1955. They raised 11 children together. They have been blessed with 42 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Leonard was a devoted, loving husband and father. Leonard taught his children the importance of hard work, serving others, and that “family comes first.”

His greatest gift to his children was his love for their mother. Theirs was a true love story. They experienced many adventures throughout their life. Going on long drives was one of their favorite pastimes. It didn’t matter where they went as long as they were together. They were married 60 years before Cherril’s passing on February 5, 2016. Leonard missed his sweet wife terribly. He often spoke of his love for her and his longing to once again be by her side. His family is grateful for their faith in their Savior Jesus Christ and the knowledge they have that Leonard and Cherril have been reunited.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel 825 South 32nd Street, located at East Pueblo Avenue and South 32nd Street, Mesa, Arizona. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 9: 45 a.m., and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa Arizona, 85201at 12: 00 p.m. Arrangements under the direction of Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel & Crematory, Mesa, AZ.