Leonard Eric Hope Sr.

Leonard Eric Hope Sr., 65, Ash Flat, Arkansas, was born in Centralia, Washington on September 19, 1947, son of Richard Earl and Kalma Ottill (Erickson) Hope and departed this life January 3, 2013 at his home. He was united in marriage to Donna L. Caswell on July 18, 1981, at Chehalis, Washington. Leonard served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (Bronze Star) and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He worked as a power plant maintenance operator for Alaska Power & Telephone and was a member of the Salem First Baptist Church. Leonard is survived by his wife Donna Hope of the home; seven sons Leonard Eric Hope Jr., of Tallahassee, Florida, Ivan E. Hope of Tallahassee, Florida, Nathan Nicholas Hope, of Havana, Florida, Ethan S. Hope of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Zachary J. Hope of Ash Flat, Arknasas, Gabriel J. Hope of Ash Flat, Arkansas and Jesse D. Hope, of Ash Flat, Arkansas; one daughter, Ruby Lynn Mathers of Roseburg, Oregon; ten grandchildren, Michael Hope, David Anniskette, Amanda and Lenny Hope, Kiley and Brooke Hope, Josh, Joey, Amber and Caleb Spires; one great-granddaughter Amelia Spires; one sister, Julia Wentzel of Onalaska, Washington; one brother, Richard E. Hope, Jr. of Onalaska, Washington; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded by his son Aaron L. Hope, parents and one sister Merle Cossey. A memorial service will be held Monday, January 7, 2013, 11:00 AM, at Salem First Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas, with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Interment will be at 1:00 PM in Evening Shadows Memorial Park Cemetery in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.