Leonard Richard Lashbrook, age 91, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 1:25 A.M. on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at his home in Centralia, Illinois with his family at his side. He was born on June 15, 1922 in Beardstown, Illinois the son of James Virgil and Bertha (Jones) Lashbrook. He met his wife, Dorothy Shouse, when they became mail correspondents during World War II, then married her on September 21, 1946 in Beardstown, Illinois. She survives in Centralia, Illinois.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Mr. Lashbrook is survived by 2 daughters Brenda Lashbrook of Illinois and Donna Gunderson and husband Brian of Greenwood, South Carolina, 2 sons Thomas Lashbrook and wife Adelina of Moyock, North Carolina and Dale Lashbrook and wife Gail of Portsmouth, Virginia, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and sister-in-law Carolyn Lashbrook of Centralia, Illinois.

Mr. Lashbrook was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law David Floyd, 2 brothers Allen Lashbrook and Leroy Lashbrook, 1 sister Louise Melton, 1 sister-in-law Lorene Lashbrook and 1 brother-in-law Gary Melton.

Mr. Lashbrook was a member of the Demaree United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He was awarded the European, African and Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars. He served in the African and Italian Campaign with the 346 ^th Field Artillery Battalion, 91 ^st Division, 5 ^th Army under General Mark Clark. He served lastly in occupied Yugoslavia before being discharged from his service to his country. He was a member of the Centralia V.F.W. Post # 2055. Earlier in life, Mr. Lashbrook had a passion for photography and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a huge fan of old and current movies and favorite television shows. He cherished the time he spent with his family, took interest and was proud of what his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren achieved in their lives.

Mr. Lashbrook retired as a sales clerk at Ace Hardware in Centralia, Illinois. He was previously employed at True Value Hardware in Centralia, Illinois and Wickes Lumber in Breese, Illinois where he retired in 1982 after 20 years of service. Earlier in life, he worked at the Fowler Company in Centralia, Illinois. He has lived most of his life in Centralia, Illinois and graduated from Centralia Township High School with the Class of 1940. While in the military, he attended college on the West Coast.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:01 P.M. on Monday, January 13, 2014 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Reverend Mark Doane officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois with Military Honors accorded by the Centralia V.F.W. Post # 2055 and American Legion Post # 446. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at the funeral home.