Leon G. Hubbard, 91, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 4:50 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018, in his home. He was born in Aetna Township (Michigan) on November 15, 1927, to Franklin G. and Alma (Ketner) Hubbard.
Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army on December 20, 1945, serving during World War II. During that time, he achieved the rank of Private 1st Class and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal and World World II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on June 13, 1947.
Just over two years later, Leon married his bride, Jean Chase, on September 23, 1949. Together, they had three children. He supported his family as a tool and die maker at Fisher Body in Grand Rapids for 42 years and was also a farmer for many years.
At the age of 44, Leon became a Christian while attending Grant Wesleyan Church in Grant, MI. He had also attended Shoreline Christ Fellowship in Michigan and, after moving to Marion, Sunnycrest UMC.
Leon was a hard-working man, and he enjoyed fishing and, in his retirement, working his peat moss business. He will be remembered as a compassionate and God-fearing man who loved his family deeply. He was a family man who completely and selflessly dedicated himself to his children and to his loving wife of 70 years. He loved making memories with those closest to him, especially his grandchildren, and he will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; children, Rick (Kate) Hubbard, FL, Michael (Carla) Hubbard, MI, and Kathy (Mark) Helm, Marion; 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Virginia (David) Evans, Kenny (Marsha) Hubbard, and Roger (Marie) Hubbard; sister-in-law Ruth Whitney; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; grandson, Jason Helm (from Tarka, South Africa); sisters, Marie (Bob) Brown and Elaine (Chet) Ring; and brothers, Howard Hubbard, Keith (Clyda) Hubbard, and Lawrence (Eileen) Hubbard.
A memorial service with military honors will be held for Leon at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Shoreline Christ Fellowship, 209 E. Ellis Rd., Muskegon, MI 49441. Burial will take place at a later date at Ashland Center Cemetery in Grant, MI.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN 46952.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Gideons International, P.O. Box 773, Marion, IN 46952 or online at www.gideons.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.