Leonard Ray Hoglen, age 78, of Fresno, California passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Leonard was born October 21, 1943 in Merced, California to Samuel and Katherine Hoglen.
Leonard is survived by his loving wife, Lana Hoglen; his sons Lenard Hoglen Jr. (Monica), Ronnie Hoglen (Stacy), Gary Massey, daughters Dena Hensley, Wendy Massey, his brother Charles Atnip (Robin), 19 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Leonard was preceded in death by his father Samuel Hoglen and his mother Katherine Rudolf,; his brothers Richard Hoglen, Samuel Hoglen, John Atnip, and his sister Shirley Harless.
Leonard, also affectionately known as Sonny, was raised in Chowchilla, California where he attended Fairmead Elementary and Chowchilla High School. He received his 8th grade diploma and his high school diploma along with receiving class honors as Valedictorian. He ran track for the Chowchilla High School track team where he played a pivotal role in securing track meet records.
Sonny would soon join the United States Army during the Vietnam War. During his time overseas, he was called home to care for his ailing father and received an honorable medical discharge. Sonny soon reenlisted in the Army for another 4 years where he returned for service in Germany and spent time deployed in Cambodia and Vietnam where he was a missile launcher. During his time in Frankfurt, Germany, he excelled as a diesel mechanic and became motor pool Sergeant. He achieved the rank of Sergeant/E-5.
Sonny was soon honored with two honorable discharges from The United States Army. His commendations were sharpshooter and marksman.
After his active duty, Sonny returned to his home town of Chowchilla, California where he worked for the Army Core of Engineers and the US Postal office. Sonny would move on from his civil service detail and go to work in the private sector where he worked for various companies in the AG industry in the Central San Joaquin Valley from 1974-2008. In 1978, he attended Merced City College where he received his Associates Degree in Criminal Science.
Sonny's spiritual journey began in Chowchilla where he attended the United Pentecostal Church and was baptized and filled with The Holy Ghost at the age of 16 under the ministry of Elder Wendal Myers. His spiritual journey would soon pick back up in 1974 at the church where it all began. After serving The Lord in Chowchilla Sonny moved to Madera, California where he and his family would attend The United Pentecostal Church of Madera from 1975-1978. Sonny would again attend The United Pentecostal Church in 1988 under the ministry of Elder Kenneth Bow. Sonny's love for God and Truth never failed, even after being away for more than 33 years. During the last 3 weeks of his life, Sonny made peace with The Lord and received his renewing in The Holy Ghost after much repentance.
Sonny's career later in life included working for Brinks Armored Transport and the IRS. In 2008, he retired and began enjoying his retirement years doing what he always loved, hunting and fishing with his family and close friends.
Sonny will always be best remembered for his passion for the outdoors and his love for his family and close friends. He would always say, "Never turn your back on family".
Lastly, Sonny's love for his wife Lana of 27 years will always be remembered because it did not matter where he was at, hunting or fishing or otherwise, he always made it a point to hurry up and get home to his wife.
A visitation for Leonard will be held Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, 140 South 6th Street, Chowchilla, CA. A funeral service will occur Friday, December 10, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. at New Life Church, 520 Colusa Avenue, Chowchilla, CA. A graveside committal service at Chowchilla Cemetery District, 23358 Road 14 1/2, Chowchilla, CA. A reception will follow at New Life Church.
