Wiilliam Harwell

Memorials: The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Vitas Hospice Care at 2501 Parkview Drive, Suite 600, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, www.vitascharityfund.org.        Leon was born in Duncanville on Sept. 11, 1922, and moved to Grapevine at a very young age. He was the son of W.T. and Alice Harwell, also residents of Grapevine. At that time, Grapevine was a small farming community and Leon and his family were known by just about everyone. He worked at Hudson Body Shop in Dallas for several years while assisting his father by working on the family farm.        Being a man of strong conviction, he joined the United States Air Force and later became an MP in the 509th Composite Group stationed on Tinian Island. His military service became one of his most-treasured memories when he was selected to guard the Enola Gay and was saluted by Colonel Tibbits just before taking off on the mission to deliver the first atomic bomb.        Upon return from service, he met his lifelong sweetheart, Jean Weddel, and they married on Jan. 29, 1946. They recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. His working career began with Mosher Steel Company in Dallas, which later became the structural division of Trinity Industries. After 38 years with the company, he retired at the age of 62 and continued his dedications to family and friends. A master Mason of Lodge 288 in Grapevine for over 40 years and being raised to the level of worshipful master gave him the opportunity to meet and become friends with many people in the community.        Leon was a wonderful family man. He was loved and cherished by a host of many family members and friends and will be dearly missed by everyone. He loved God, his family, his country, and the symbolism of the United States Flag.        "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."--Abraham Lincoln To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Wiilliam Harwell please visit our Sympathy Store.