Nelson Everett "Tuffy" Leard

Nelson E. "Tuffy" Leard, 96, formerly of Slate Lick, South Buffalo Township, died Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at QLS-West Haven, Apollo.

Born February 3, 1922, in South Buffalo Township, he was a son of the late Merle and Mary (Claypoole) Leard.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served with the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Ramagen, Rhineland, and Ruhr Pocket. 

He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, East Franklin Township.

A self-employed contractor, Tuffy specialized in brick, block, and masonry work.  He was a 50-year member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, a former past grand with IIOF #379, Freeport.  He also belonged to the Ford City VFW and the Worthington American Legion.  Tuffy enjoyed hunting and fishing, and took up golf at age 90.  He was a former baseball player for Slate Lick and Martin's Garage.

He is survived by two sons, Michael Nelson (Cheryl) Leard of Worthington, and Allen E. (Lori) Leard of Vandergrift; a daughter, Holly (Bob) Fletcher of Stow, OH; his grandchildren, Christopher Leard, Anna Shuster, Melissa Whitfield, and Abigail Fletcher; and a great-grandchild, Luke Whitfield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel H. (Barto) Leard; two brothers, Robert and Cliff Leard; and two later-life companions, Dorothy Bowser and Audrey Ortmann.

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday, and from 10 a.m., until the time of service at 11 a.m., Monday, in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Avenue Ford City.  Rev. Dan Kaminski will officiate.  Interment will follow in Slate Lick Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Armstrong County Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Armstrong County Honor Guard, P.O. Box 209, Kittanning, PA 16201.  To send an online condolence, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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