Obituary of Leonard E. Eadus
Leonard E. Eadus, (91), resident of St. Maries, Idaho, passed away at his home on January 18,2024. He was born to William and Lucille Eadus on January 23, 1932, in Harlowton, MT. Leonard was raised in Harlowton and graduated from high school there with the class of 1950.
Following high school, Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served 3 years. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Montana where he went to work on a couple of ranches and for the railroad. Leonard married and raised 4 children starting with a move to Anaconda where he worked in a copper mine. He worked on missile sites all over North Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana. His marriage later ended in divorce, and he moved back to Harlowton working as a Car Man for the Milwaukee Railroad. He also told us that, at one point, he and a friend owned a convenience store in Vancouver, Washington. His job brought him to St. Maries, Idaho in 1977. He met Anita Ebert, and the couple moved to California where Leonard worked for the UP and SP Railroads. They married on September 26, 1989, in San Bernadino, CA. In February 1994, Leonard retired, and the couple returned to St. Maries.
Leonard was a simple man who loved being a grandpa and participating in family gatherings. When the creator conjured Leonard, the recipe obviously included sincerity, dignity and honor but blended that in a healthy dose of humility, and an abundance of humor. He delighted in the unique personalities of grandchildren, found joy in mutual projects with neighbors, and conspired to celebrate the birthdays and achievements of those in his life, friends and family. He made the world a better and brighter place for those fortunate enough to share in his life. He had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, especially tomatoes, and made sure to keep an immaculate yard. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. In his earlier days he liked to play golf, and he had an impressive collection of model trains. He was the proud owner of rental property, and took pride in being the best landlord, taking care of his tenants and keeping the rent affordable. At one time or another over the years, he rented to several family members as well. Leonard truly lived life to the fullest, encouraged family to excel in life, and stayed young at heart. He loved watching and keeping up on sports. He loved the Green Bay Packers and once owned shares in the Boston Celtics. He was also a supporter of local fundraisers for the school and clubs.
Leonard is survived by his wife Anita at their home in St. Maries; children James “Jim” (Tammy) Eadus of Gillette, WY, Kathy (Larry)Kuck of Billings, MT, Robin Eadus of Billings, MT, Danny (Aurora) Ebert of St. Maries, ID, Connie Kirkella of Fernwood, ID, Joe (Vanessa) Ebert of Wolf Lodge, ID, and Dori Myers of Hayden, ID; 9 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Margaret, William, James, Fred, and Eugene; his son John Eadus; and grandson Kenny Peters.
A Celebration of Leonard’s life will be at a later date.
